Navigating the Path to a Legal US Job: A Comprehensive Guide for Foreign Professionals

Are you a foreign professional with university education and work experience, keen to find employment in the United States? Securing a job legally involves several steps, including having the appropriate visa, meeting eligibility criteria, and following the immigration process. This article provides a detailed guide to help you on your journey.

Brief Overview of Legal Job Employment as a Foreigner in the US

Before you can legally work in the United States as a foreigner, you must be legally qualified, which means:

You have the requisite visa or permit. You have completed the immigration procedure.

If you do not meet these criteria, applying for a job in the US is futile.

Legal Aid and Advices

Dorothy's Advice: You not only need to be legally eligible but also financially prepared. A stable financial background can assure you during legal processes and job hunting phases.

Start searching for jobs online in different parts of the US. Look for specific job titles in various states to gauge the required qualifications and experience.

Work Visas and Immigration Options for Foreigners in the US

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offers several types of work visas, including immigrant visas and non-immigrant visas for both short-term and long-term work.

Immigrant Visas

Immigrant visas allow for permanent residence in the United States. Here are the main categories:

EB-1 Priority Workers

The EB-1 category is for priority workers, including those with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors and researchers, and managers of multinational companies. This type of visa involves finding a sponsor and filing a petition with the US immigration authority.

EB-2 Professionals with Advanced Degrees or Exceptional Ability

This category applies to individuals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability in the arts, science, or business. Similar to EB-1, sponsorship from a US employer is required.

EB-3 Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Unskilled Workers

This category provides options for a wide range of professionals, from skilled workers with specific training to unskilled labor. It is one of the most sought-after due to less stringent requirements, but also has a longer backlog due to the high number of applications.

Non-Immigrant Visas

Non-immigrant visas allow foreign workers to enter the US temporarily for specific purposes. Here are some examples:

E-2 Treaty Investor Visa

The E-2 visa is for investors from countries with which the US maintains treaties, requiring at least a substantial investment in a US enterprise. The investor must seek to develop and direct the investment enterprise.

H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa

The H-1B visa allows individuals to enter the US for a specialty occupation requiring a bachelor's degree or higher. Due to high demand and limited quotas, the application process can be lengthy.

L-1 Visa for Intra/Intercompany Transferees

The L-1 visa is ideal for multinational companies, allowing them to transfer managers, specialized knowledge employees, or experienced professionals to the US.

Conclusion

Securing a job in the United States as a foreigner requires thorough preparation and compliance with legal requirements. Understanding the various visa options and the immigration process is crucial. With the right visa, sponsorship from a US employer, and the appropriate qualifications, you can build a successful career in the US.