According to the U.S. Department of Labor, unemployment in 2023 reached its lowest level since 1969. This makes it an opportune time to pursue your dream job in the United States.
Securing employment depends on meticulous preparation and understanding the available options. There are two common work authorizations for working in the U.S.: the Green Card and the U.S. work visa. There are significant differences between the two, impacting the duration of stay in the country and the choice of employer and profession.
The Green Card is an immigrant visa that grants unrestricted rights to live and work in the United States. As a Permanent Resident Card holder (officially known as the Green Card), there is no need to worry about expiration periods or changing employers because Green Card rights are valid for a lifetime.
On the other hand, work visas are available in different categories, subject to strict conditions and expiration dates varying by visa type. For instance, individuals working with an E visa for trade or investment, an L visa for employee transfer, or an H-1B visa for academics with job offers in the U.S. are firmly tied to their U.S. employer and specific job.
The U.S. government issues the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) as a separate work authorization. These authorizations are approved for certain applicant types, have limited validity, and must be regularly renewed.
To obtain a Green Card through employment, there are various paths. In the case of employment, there is a significant opportunity for those who secure sponsorship from a U.S. employer, possess substantial funds (investment), or exhibit exceptional skills.
Ingrid Domingues McConville, an immigration expert with over 28 years of experience, notes that work visas have become increasingly sought after by foreigners. This involves a more bureaucratic process with specific requirements. Details make all the difference in dealing with U.S. immigration, which has recently been scrutinizing applications more closely to prevent fraudulent requests.
U.S. employers continue to seek talented foreign professionals in various fields, as long as they meet the requirements for a work visa in the U.S., which includes a valid job offer from a U.S. employer or a transfer to a U.S. company, or even a candidate with exceptional skills.
In any case, for either option, it is essential to have the guidance of a U.S. immigration specialist to ensure that the entire process is handled correctly—from understanding the intent and analyzing possibilities to realizing the dream of living and working in the United States.
Learn about the best way to make a safe immigration move: https://instagram.com/dmvisalaw?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Ingrid Domingues-McConville founded DM VISA LAW – Domingues McConville, P.A. in 1995. She has been a member of the Florida Bar since 1995 and a member of the United States District Court, Southern District of Florida. Ingrid earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida, and her law degree from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in Cleveland, Ohio. With 28 years of experience in Immigration Law, Ingrid has represented clients throughout the United States and worldwide, handling both business and family immigration matters. She has assisted companies and individuals in obtaining visas and permanent residency in the United States. Ingrid plays a significant leadership role in the Brazilian community in South Florida and across the United States, providing much-needed legal guidance and advice.