U.S. Employment Preference Lawyers Serving National and International Clients
Skilled employees who are new to the U.S. can benefit from the input of an immigration legal specialist with knowledge of how to pursue avenues for permanent residence status.
Serving clients statewide throughout California, nationwide and around the world, we are the experienced employment-based immigration attorneys of Swanson & Swanson in Los Angeles.
I am Steven F. Swanson of Swanson & Swanson. Though based in the Golden State, our boutique law offices are available to serve companies and employees in all states, and nations around the world, when immigration objectives or crises arise. In the many decades since our founder Otto F. Swanson worked for the Immigration Service, then founded our law firm, we have worked hard to establish our reputation as goal achievers and problem solvers for any family or business immigration need, domestically and worldwide.
To speak to a knowledgeable immigration lawyer about preference classification, permanent residency or a work permit, or to ask questions about your particular situation, e-mail or call 310-694-5914.
Swanson & Swanson — Skilled Immigration Attorneys With Decades of Experience
Employment-Based Immigration: Classifications
Immigration based upon employment requires acquisition of an immigrant preference classification — which, as a general rule, is accorded based upon the level of education and experience normally required to perform the duties of a given occupational pursuit.
In some instances, employment-based immigration requires a U.S. employer who can show that an existing qualified and willing American citizen or resident alien worker is unavailable for the position. This task is accomplished by filing an application for a labor certification from the Department of Labor.
In some instances, pre-certification is available. Currently pre-certification is available to professional nurses, physical therapists and those with exceptional ability in science or art.
Immigrant preference classification for employment entitles an alien to immigrate in the order of the date the labor certification was filed, when certification is a prerequisite, or the date the petition for immigrant classification is filed and as soon as an immigrant visa is available.
Immigrant visa availability is a function of the number of visas available in any given year, the number of petitions already on file for the particular preference classification, and the country of birth of the alien and/or his or her spouse.
Preference classifications for employment-based immigration include:
- Extraordinary ability: EB-1(a)
- Outstanding professors and researchers: EB-1(b)
- Upper management and multinational business: EB-1(c)
- Advanced degrees or exceptional ability (with labor certification): EB-2(a)
- Advanced degrees or exceptional ability (without labor certification): EB-2(b)
- Employment requiring two to four years of experience and training: EB-3(a)
- Employment requiring less than two years of experience and training: EB-3(b)
- Ministerial employees: EB-4(a)
- Religion occupation: EB-4(b)
Contact Our Los Angeles Law Offices
Swanson & Swanson have helped individuals, families and businesses with green cards, work permits and other immigration matters since 1972. To find out more about immigrant preference classification for employment, and to schedule your initial consultation, contact us by phone at 310-694-5914 or by e-mail or fax.
