Vickerstaff Law Office

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Vickerstaff Law Office

Call For An Initial Consultation

Local: 502-442-2039
Toll-Free: 888-832-2944

Louisville, Kentucky, Immigration Lawyer

Louisville, Kentucky, Immigration Lawyer

Change a visitor visa to a work visa

On Behalf of | Jun 16, 2021 | immigration law

When people first come to the U.S., they may come for business reasons. However, people may sometimes decide that they want to stay in the country for a job. In order to do this, workers usually need to adjust their visa status. 

According to the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs, workers usually have a business visa when they first enter the country. This visa allows them to meet with business associates and attend professional conferences. However, people cannot begin working in the country. If workers receive a job offer while in the country, they typically need to get a visa that reflects their new status. 

Types of work visa

According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, people have to meet certain requirements before they can get a work visa. There are five different categories, or preferences, of permanent worker visas. However, most people may fall into the second and third categories. 

The EB-2 visa is for workers who have advanced degrees such as a master’s degree or a Ph.D. These workers usually accept a job that requires this degree. The EB-3 visa is for several different kinds of workers. It includes people with college degrees and specialized training. Additionally, it encompasses unskilled workers who do not perform temporary work. 

Requirements for a worker visa

To receive a permanent worker visa, people sometimes need a labor certification. This document demonstrates that people already have an offer of employment from a U.S. company. If people want to get either an EB-2 or EB-3 visa, they usually need this certification. People typically do not fill out this form by themselves. Instead, their employer completes this form. 

If people want to bring their families with them, they should also look at the requirements for family immigration. Families may need to meet additional requirements.