A Simple Guide to an Employment-Based Immigrant Visa

Statistics show that approximately 1.4 lakh employment visas are issued by the U.S. federal administration every year. According to the U.S. immigration laws, employment-based visas have five preference categories. Read on for relevant information about employment-based immigrant visas before boarding your flight to the U.S.

Who Can Apply for an Employment-Based Immigrant Visa?

There are broadly five categories when it comes to employment-based immigrant visas:

a)Priority workers

b)Professionals with advanced degrees Or people with exceptional ability

c)Skilled workers, professionals, Or other workers

d)Special immigrants

e)Investors

In some special cases, the spouse or children may also accompany a person with an employment-based immigrant visa. However, the children must be below 21.

Generally, the employer (sponsor) files a petition with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on behalf of the immigrant. Employers need to file I - 140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers). The fee for filing the I-140 is US$700.

What Happens Next?

If the USCIS grants your petition, they transfer the application to the Department of State's National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC creates a case in its system and processes the petition. After processing, they issue a welcome letter. The employer/immigrant can check the application status by logging in to the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC).

The United States federal administration issues a limited number of visas every year. Hence, even after securing approval from the USCIS, you might not get visa updates immediately. There are also a few limited categories, and visa approval depends on the date of filing and the number of people waiting in the category.

Which Documents Should You Submit Along With the Employment-based Immigrant Visa Application?

Here is the list of documents you need to furnish along with the visa application form:

1. Passport - The passport must have a validity of at least six months from the date of entry into the US

2. Form DS-260 - This is the Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application. You have to enter your personal information, present and previous address, mailing address, family information, educational and professional details, etc.

3. Photograph - You need to submit two 2x2 photos

4. Civil Documents - Official authorities issue civil documents in the applicant's country. These may include birth certificates, court and prison records, marriage certificates (if any), police certificates, etc.

5. Financial Report - You need to prove that you will not become a public charge in the U.S. Under this rule, you can be denied entry into the U.S. due to disabilities or lack of economic resources. For this reason, the consular officer may ask for your bank account statement

6. Medical Examination - Your medical report must be attached to the application form. Generally, an authorized panel physician conducts the test. You can find country-specific medical examination formalities here

What Happens in the Interview Round of Employment-based immigrant visa?

After submitting the application form, documents, and fees, you can expect a confirmation informing you about the interview date and time. You must reach the U.S. Embassy or Consulate before time with the DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application) confirmation. The Consular Officer will ask you a few questions to check your eligibility for getting the visa, and your fingerprint will be scanned during the interview process.

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