Los Angeles Employment Lawyer

The Basics of Work Visas

Advances in technology, transportation, and communication are bringing different parts of the world closer and closer together each day. As people across the world are provided with more access to other countries and information about other ways of life, more people are likely to immigrate in order to experience these other cultures and to seek a better way of life. The United States, in particular, receives thousands of legal immigrants each year. In 2007 alone, the US naturalized 660,000 people.

An even greater number of individuals come to the US to work, but are not made citizens, or at least not right away. For people looking for work opportunities, the process, unfortunately, can often be very long and drawn out. For reasons of national security, job availability, and economic reasons, the process required to apply for and receive a work permit has become more difficult recently than it has been in years past.

Depending on the individual and his / her unique circumstances, a work visa application may require certification from the US Department of Labor or the person may need to file a petition with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services, which is part of Homeland Security.

Nevertheless, although the process can be confusing, around 140,000 people annually are given the chance to work in the United States. Those who are approved for work visas are grouped into five categories (E1-E5). The categories correspond to the trade / skill of the worker as follows:

• E1—individuals with artistic talents (must prove international acclaim)
• E2—individuals with artistic talents but are less well-known than E1 individuals
• E3—skilled workers with advanced degrees
• E4—individuals in special circumstances / have special relationships with the US government
• E5—visas reserved for investors

The processes surrounding work visas can be extremely frustrating and complicated, and it can be incredibly advantageous to have a legal professional working with you to answer any questions you may have.

Speak with a Los Angeles Employment Lawyer

Contact Los Angeles employment attorney Perry Smith today at 888-356-2529 to discuss your situation and questions with an experienced and qualified legal professional.