Initiated by U.S. employers, it is subdivided in several categories:

a. Multinational executive or manager transferee:

this category requires basically the same parameters as the temporary L-1 visa, but is permanent. Qualifications only vary from the L-1 visa in one point: permanent residence under this category is only available when the U.S. subsidiary or branch office is already operating for a full year.

b. Outstanding Professors, Researchers and Professionals with advanced degrees:

similar to the self-petition under extraordinary ability, the parameters are lower, but require a U.S. employer be the petitioner, and a permanent job offer be made to the foreign professional.

c. Skilled Workers:

not necessarily for college graduates, enables a U.S. company to petition for permanent residence on behalf of a foreign worker the company needs. The position being offered to the foreign worker must first be reviewed by the Labor Department. After issuance of Labor Certification, the permanent residence petition is filed with the Immigration Service.

d. Unskilled Workers:

Available to people with very little work experience in unskilled jobs. This category has a lower priority.

BACK