The U.S. Department of State has announced the nationwide availability of 165,000 employer work-based visas for fiscal year 2024. This is an increase from the typical 140,000 visas made available in most recent years.
Requirements for an employment-based visa
Employment visas require you to have a valid job offer in the U.S. You will need to prove you have the job, and your employer will be required to submit documentation regarding the job on your behalf, including the location of the job, amount of pay and duration.
Once you have secured employment, you must receive an approved petition from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service and a labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor. Applicants must then complete the Online Non-Immigrant visa application and print proof of completion. At this time, an interview must be scheduled with the U.S. Embassy. Depending on the interview, additional documentation may be required.
How long does the process take?
The application process for an employment visa can take as little as 10 months for skilled workers or those who possess specialized education in their field. For unskilled workers, the process could take as long as 20 months to complete. Processing times will vary based on the number of applications submitted and the pace at which the applicant completes each step.
Is it difficult to obtain an employer-based work visa?
Competition for employer-based visas can be difficult as there are so many applications each year. Additionally, the amount of time it takes to process an application can be challenging for some. Cost can be a factor as well. Depending on the application type, the process can cost approximately $5,000 per applicant, and some applications will require the employer to pay for certain certification costs, which could be several thousand dollars.
The journey of immigration can come with many rewards. Although the application might take some time, it could make an incredible difference in the lives of you and your family.