Green Card (employment based)
In most cases where you are looking to fill a vacancy quickly, it is not feasible to apply for lawful permanent residence.
Most employment based permanent residence applications involve demonstrating that there is a shortage of US workers to fill the vacancy. The process of demonstrating such a shortage is called 'Labor Certification'.
Wherever 'Labor Certification' is involved, the total processing time invariably exceeds six months, and may take years. Even where 'Labor Certification' is not required, it is normally easier to transfer a candidate to the US using a non-immigrant visa, and then to apply for a 'Green Card' once they have taken up their position.
The following may obtain a 'Green Card' without 'Labor Certification':
- Aliens of Extraordinary Ability in Business, Sciences, Arts, Education, or Athletics
- Outstanding Professors/Researchers
- International Executives/Managers
- Exceptional Ability in the Sciences, Arts, Business with a "National Interest Waiver"
- Registered Physical Therapists
- Registered Professional Nurses
Aliens of Exceptional Ability in Business, Sciences, Arts, or Education.
Applications for a 'Green Card' for aliens of exceptional ability should be supported by:
- Labor certification - unless waived (see above),
AND: at least 3 (and preferably more) of the following:
- An official academic record showing that the lilicandidate has a degree, diploma, or certificate,
OR: A Similar award from an institution of learning relating to the area of exceptional ability;
- Letter(s) from current or former employers showing that the candidate has at least 10 years of full-time experience in the occupation for which he/she is being sought;
- A license to practice the profession or certification for a particular profession or occupation;
- Evidence that the alien has commanded a salary, or other remuneration for services, which demonstrates exceptional ability;
- Evidence of membership of professional associations;
- Evidence of recognition for achievements and significant contributions to the industry of field by peers, Governmental entities, or professional, or business organizations.
International Executives and Managers:
A multinational corporation with an established US office (i.e. one that has been in existence for at least one year), may obtain a 'Green Card' for international executives who have worked in an executive or managerial capacity for a non-US branch of the corporation for at least one year in the last three.
Applications under this category will generally need to be supported by:
- A Letter from the employer confirming employment outside the US, the nature of the previous employment, and the dates of employment.
- If relevant, a letter from the US employer confirming the nature of the previous employment, and the dates of employment.
- A job description for the prospective employee.
- Tax returns showing employment of the candidate by the same employer outside of the U.S. for at least one year in the last three years.
- Accounts for the employer in the US.
Professionals with Advanced Degrees
This category is detailed below; it can only be used following 'Labor Certification'
Professionals
This category is detailed below; it can only be used following 'Labor Certification'
Skilled Workers
This category is detailed below; it can only be used following 'Labor Certification'
Other Workers
This category is detailed below; it can only be used following 'Labor Certification'
Labor Certification
Before you may obtain a 'Green Card' for a foreign worker who does not qualify for exemption from 'Labor Certification' (as outlined on the preceding pages), that company must demonstrate to the local office of the US Department of Labor that the job is one for which there are not sufficient United States workers who are willing, qualified, and available at the time of application for a visa.
The employer must also demonstrate that the employment of the foreign worker will not adversely affect the wages and/or working conditions of workers in the United States similarly employed.
Labor Certification is a difficult and time-consuming process, but, in itself, it does not permit an alien to start work in the US. It is simply one of several requirements before for the grant of an immigrant visa.
An application for Labor Certification is made using official form ETA 750; this form comes in two parts, Part A, and Part B. Each part must be accompanied by documents as outlined below:
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