It’s important to note that these visas are for the 2024 fiscal year, so this is a projection of what is expected until September 30, 2024, which is the end of the fiscal year – despite being a few months before the end of the calendar year.
In any case, in 2024, the bulletin indicates that there should be around 165,000 employment-based visas.
Interestingly, it does appear that the number of employment-based visas being given out is trending downward. For the fiscal year of 2022, for example, there were 281,507 employment-based visas. This was double the total that was usually seen in a single year.
That said, the reason for the high number of employment visas was that family visas from the fiscal year 2021, which often were not used, were then added to the employment visas for the following year. In that sense, 2022 was something of an outlier, as that is not projected to happen in most years.
In some cases, there are country-based limits for employment basis. This has led to questions about how family-sponsored visas could be switched over to employment visas without altering these limits. The extra visas were added to the overall limit, but country limits were still held in place, even with these additions.
It’s clear that employment immigration is still going to be common in the United States, as one of the main ways that people come to the country. Those who are going through this process must know exactly what legal steps to take.
]]>Opportunities for international professionals to work in the United States have become a common pursuit. However, this journey is not without its complexities. One must carefully consider the type of employment-based visa that suits their goals and circumstances.
The H-1B visa is a staple for skilled workers seeking temporary employment in specialized fields such as technology, engineering, medicine and finance. This visa offers a temporary stay in the U.S. and is often used by companies to fill positions that require specific skills not readily available domestically.
Designed for intracompany transferees, the L visa permits multinational companies to relocate their employees to the U.S. temporarily. Divided into L-1A for managers and executives and L-1B for employees with specialized knowledge, this visa facilitates knowledge transfer and operational continuity across borders.
Lastly, the O visa caters to individuals with extraordinary abilities or achievements in fields like arts, sciences, education, business, athletics or the motion picture industry. Temporary in nature, this visa allows individuals to work on specific projects or events, making it an attractive option for those seeking to make a significant impact during their stay.
The EB-2 visa is reserved for professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities. It requires a job offer and labor certification, demonstrating the intent to contribute significantly to the U.S. economy, arts, sciences, education or business.
Diversity is at the heart of the EB-3 visa, accommodating skilled workers, professionals and even certain unskilled workers. This visa category necessitates labor certification and a job offer from a U.S. employer, helping ensure the worker’s presence addresses a genuine need in the domestic job market.
For those seeking permanent residency through investment, the EB-5 visa offers an avenue. By investing a substantial amount in a new commercial enterprise that creates jobs for U.S. workers, applicants can obtain lawful permanent resident status for themselves and their immediate family members.
Whether you’re looking for a temporary or permanent employment-based visa, enlisting legal counsel can expedite the process.
]]>Unfortunately, some people abuse the system and innocent people who married for the right reasons could be investigated by the authorities in their quest to stamp the problem out.
Simply put, marriage is considered fraudulent when it is entered into for the sole purpose of helping a foreign national obtain the right to live in the United States. Common examples of marriage fraud include:
Marrying for a green card is a serious offense with consequences for both parties. For the U.S. national or permanent resident, the charges may include conspiracy to commit a crime, hosting an alien illegally or committing visa fraud. A conviction can result in fines and prison time.
For the foreign national, the charges may include providing false statements and conspiracy to commit a crime. A conviction can lead to fines, imprisonment and removal from the country.
Because there are people who do these things, the authorities might wrongly accuse you of marrying for a green card. If this happens, you need to understand your legal options. Some of the evidence you may present to provide proof of a genuine marriage include copies of the marriage documents, proof of courtship and wedding as well as the existence of estate planning documents like a will.
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