USA jobs for skilled immigrants; The United states stands at a pole spot, as well as the magnet for skilled immigrants who are looking for a better career prospects, and quality of life.
Arguably, the United States economy stands a beneficiary of skilled workers across industries.
In this guide, you will understand the opportunities, visa pathways, application process and how it benefits skilled immigrants.
Visa pathways to the USA for skilled immigrants
The type of visa you need to immigrate into the US, depends largely on your purpose of immigration, it’s advised you choose carefully a visa that best suits your traveling requirements and goals.
Each visa category has different requirements, it’s always helpful to learn more about your visa options and see what suits you.
Employment-based immigration visa
This is an excellent pathway to a green card for immigrants qualifying for one of the employment based categories;
- EB-1: Work visa for immigrants with extraordinary ability
- EB-2: Work visa designed for individuals with an advanced degree or exceptional ability
- EB-3: Skilled professionals and unskilled workers
- EB-4: Green card for special immigrants
- EB-5: Visa for immigrant investors
Family-based immigration
The family-based immigration is an option for intending immigrants with immediate family members living in the US as citizens or permanent residents, there are five categories under this type, which include;
- IR-1: Spouse of US citizen
- IR-2: Unmarried child under 21 of a US citizen
- IR-3: Orphan adopted abroad by a US citizen
- IR-4: Orphan to be adopted in the US by a US citizen
- IR-5: Parent of a US citizen who is at least 21 years old
Eligibility criteria for the US skilled immigrant visa
This category refers to the “EB-3: Skilled professionals and unskilled workers visa.
You may be eligible for this immigrant visa preference category if you are a skilled worker, professional, or other worker.
Skilled workers: These are persons whose jobs require a minimum of 2 years training or experience, not on temporary or seasonal nature.
You must meet the educational, training, or experience requirements of the job opportunity. Relevant post-secondary education may be considered as training.
Professionals: These are persons whose jobs require at least a U.S. baccalaureate or foreign equivalent degree and are a member of the professions.
Other workers: This is for persons performing unskilled labor requiring less than 2 years training or experience, not of a temporary or seasonal nature.
Eligibility criteria;
- You must be able to demonstrate that you possess at least 2 years of job experience , education, or training that meets the job requirements specified on the labor certification.
- Relevant post-secondary education may be considered as training
- You must be performing work for which qualified workers are not available in the United States.
- You must demonstrate that you possess a U.S. baccalaureate or foreign equivalent degree, and that a baccalaureate degree is the normal requirement for entry into the occupation
- Education and experience may not be substituted for a baccalaureate degree
- You must meet any other requirements specified on the labor certification
- You must have a valid permanent job offer from a US employer
On the other hand;
- The employer could not find an available, qualified, or willing US worker for the job position
- The employer should be financially stable to pay the foreign worker and can afford to sponsor the worker.
Benefits of EB-3 visa
With an EB-3 visa, the potential immigrant goes to the US, live there permanently and work without having to obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
After some years at the job, you are at liberty to switch employers and job positions. You get the Green Card and are required to pay all taxes applicable.
You are also allowed to travel outside and within the US, and also live in different states that the one you first moved to on arrival.
How to apply for the EB-3 visa
The application process for the EB3 visa have various steps, these involve both the employer and foreign employee.
- The US employer obtains labor certification and files necessary petitions
- If approved, the foreign/potential employee then applies for the EB3 visa at the US Embassy in their country home.
EB3 application process from US employer
The US employer is required to get the labor certification to be able to hire a foreign employee.
This is to prove that there were no US employees for the job, this is done by getting a labor certification from the US Department of Labor (DOL).
The US employer must prove that they will not discriminate against the foreign worker.
The DOL will process the application and notify the employer and worker of the decision. If approved, the employer gets the labor certification and can move on to the next step to hire the foreign worker and must apply again to the DOL.
To get final approval, the employer must petition the US Citizenship and Immigration Services by filing form I-140.
USCIS evaluates the petition and decides whether to approve it. If approved, the case goes to the National Visa Center (NVC).
The NVC sends package to the foreign worker to commence application.
EB3 application process from foreign worker
The foreign worker proceeds to fill Form DS-261 and submit.
This form serves as visa application for foreign worker, complete and submit to the US Embassy in your residence country.
You are required to meet the health requirement too.
Required documents for EB3 visa
- Valid passport
- Employment offer from the US employer
- Approved labor certification
- The approved petition
- DS-261 confirmation page
- Signed medical and vaccine documents
- Academic achievement
- CV
Attend the visa interview, if your visa is approved, NVC will send you a package you must not open, but give to immigration officer at the port of entry, who will grant you an entry into the US.
How to get US jobs for skilled immigrants
The best place to get started is to create a great resume. Find a visa option that matched your travel needs.
Head over to employers websites in the US to see available job openings, see if you meet their criteria and commence your application.
Visit popular job boards and online job websites for possible openings.
Check forums, attend seminars and ask for referral where participants are conversant with US employers that are in need of foreign employers.
Conclusion
The demand for talents in sectors like technology, healthcare, engineering, academia, and finance creates a fertile ground for professionals seeking growth and stability.
By leveraging available and suitable visa options, overcoming challenges, and integrating into the US workforce, skilled immigrants can achieve personal success while contributing to the US economy.