Best Job Types for an Employee-Based Immigrant Visa

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Two of the most common immigrant visa types for people looking to enter the United States are family-based and employment-based. The process involves having someone sponsor you or file an immigrant petition for you. Once that is approved, you apply for the most appropriate visa, undertake a medical examination, have an interview, and await your application decision.

For many, particularly those without help, the visa application process can be stressful, though people applying for an employee-based immigrant visa can often be in a desirable position based on their line of work.

Congress outlined a preference category process that allowed some careers and jobs to be prioritized over others. Keep reading to learn what some of the best job types are for employee-based immigrant visas.

First Preference

Those who fall under the ‘first preference’ category have what the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services describe as ‘extraordinary ability.’ They are people who are the best in their field, like professors, researchers, scientists, and multinational executives. There are criteria you must meet within those job titles, but these job types can put you in the best position to acquire your immigrant visa and put you on the path to a green card.

Second Preference

Not everyone will be a doctor, scientist, researcher, or someone with extraordinary ability, and that’s okay. You may still be in one of the best job types to acquire an employee-based immigrant visa under the second preference tier. This tier includes people who have an advanced degree or work in industries like computer engineering, civil engineering, accountancy, chemistry, and more. Like every other visa process, you’ll still be required to undergo a health check and interview, but the wait time is likely to be shorter than several other visa categories.

Third Preference

One of the most accessible ways to gain residence through employment is the third preference category. Many people are eligible by having a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent jobs that fit under the title of a skilled worker, professional, or unskilled worker. Given the broad criteria, this is one of the most popular categories, which means employers can be waiting upwards of four years for their staff member to be granted this visa type. Fortunately, while they wait, they may also be able to sponsor you for a non-immigrant work-authorized visa.

Fourth and Fifth Preference Categories

If you don’t fit into the first three preference types for an immigrant visa, you may fit into the fourth or fifth. The fourth is an employee-based visa for special immigrants, such as religious workers, broadcasters, U.S. armed forces members, or special immigrant juveniles.

Alternatively, the fifth preference is called the Immigrant Investor Program. If you plan to come to the United States to invest in commercial enterprises and promote economic growth, you may be considered eligible for an employee-based visa. This requires you to meet set criteria, such as creating or preserving at least 10 permanent full-time jobs for qualified U.S. workers and investing a specific sum of money.

It is many people’s dream to establish a new life in the United States. However, before you do, it’s essential to navigate your way through the several different immigrant visa types and how they fit into your current and future plans.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of EconoTimes