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FAQs and Articles
Frequently Asked Questions >>
Employment-Based Immigrant Visas
Do you want to work in the United States, but don't know how to get started?
We are here to help! We give an overview of the process, so that you understand what it takes to legally work in the U.S. We also provide a huge database of U.S. employers who are willing to sponsor you, including travel to the U.S., applying for your work visa and of course, offering the right job to you.
Applying for a Work Visa
In order to enter into the U.S. to work, you must receive "work authorization." This mean you need to apply for a visa, either a nonimmigrant (temporary) or immigrant visa. A nonimmigrant (temporary) visa is for those who will be working in the U.S. for a specified amount of time. If you will be in the U.S. for an indefinite amount of time and wish to stay, you should apply for an immigrant visa. The type of visa you apply for also depends on your field of work and purpose. (Also note, a work visa is different from a visitor visa. Visitor visas are for business, pleasure, or medical treatment and for a stated, limited amount of time.)
Applying for a "Green Card"
Having a green card means that you are a permanent resident of the U.S. or "resident alien" and you can live and work in the U.S. for as long as you maintain your green card status. You must first be admitted as a legal immigrant before you become a permanent resident. After you are assigned an immigrant visa and are staying in the U.S., you may apply for a green card. You may work in the U.S. for as long as you maintain your green card (cards are renewable after expiration). One way to be granted a green card is through the annual green card lottery. Every year the U.S. randomly draws from a pool of green card applicants 55,000 people to become permanent residents.
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