When you have plans to secure an employment-based visa, you should be aware of the different categories available. Our attorneys at Cuevas, Garcia & Torres, P.A. Attorneys at Law know how crucial it is to apply for the right visa and provide the proper documentation. Using the guide below, you can start to determine which option is right for you.
According to the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs, roughly 140,000 people receive employment-based visas every fiscal year. Those visas fall into one of the following five categories:
- Employment First Preference (E1): Also known as priority workers, these include people who have national or international acclaim in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics; people who are outstanding researchers or professors; or people who are executives or managers with multinational experience.
- Employment Second Preference (E2): These professionals have either exceptional skills in the sciences, business or the arts, or they hold an advanced degree with five or more years of experience in the profession.
- Employment Third Preference (E3): This category is reserved for skilled and unskilled workers or professionals who hold at least a baccalaureate degree.
- Employment Fourth Preference (E4): These visas apply to a number of certain special immigrants, such as ministers of religion, broadcasters, former employees of the U.S. government abroad and special immigrant juveniles.
- Employment Fifth Preference (E5): Immigrant investors, or foreign investors seeking new commercial enterprises here, can apply for these visas.
Each of these categories has its own application process. Before applying, you must receive a labor certification of approval from the U.S. Department of Labor.
Our team at Cuevas, Garcia & Torres, P.A. Attorneys at Law has plenty of experience helping people navigate the system. For more information on this topic, please visit our page regarding immigration options.
