Call Us For Consultation (312) 427-6163
There are many different options for those who wish to immigrate to the U.S. for work. The experienced Addison, Illinois employment immigration attorneys at Minsky, McCormick & Hallagan have helped many workers obtain visas, green cards, or even citizenship. It is important to work with a legal professional who understands your long-term immigration goals. With a good immigration strategy, you can protect your right to work in the United States for years to come.
In some cases, a person needs to enter the country for just a short time in order to conduct specific business. The worker might be attending a professional conference or negotiating a specific deal. In these cases, a worker may not need a green card – or even a longer work visa. Short-term business visitor visas allow workers to conduct specific work within a short timeframe. There are also temporary work visas for seasonal laborers and others who will not be working in the U.S. on a permanent basis.
If an employee is relocating to the United States on a more permanent basis, they will likely need to establish lawful permanent residence. This is commonly referred to as “getting a green card.” A green card allows the holder to live and work in the United States indefinitely, so long as the card is renewed on time and the holder does not become ineligible for the green card (for example, by committing a violent felony).
A green card can be sponsored by close family members. It can also be sponsored by an employer, but workers should be aware of the terms of an employer-sponsored green card before they agree to the sponsorship. What if you decide to leave your job? What if the employer must conduct layoffs? It is important to know what will happen with your immigration status if anything happens to your current employment.
If you intend to permanently relocate to the United States for work, you should consider citizenship. Naturalized citizens are able to sponsor their family members for immigration to the United States. Their legal status is also the most secure of all immigration statuses: unlike a green card holder, a naturalized citizen cannot be easily deported. The government would have to go through the far more difficult process of denaturalization.
Citizenship does not require a sponsor. (This is yet another reason why citizenship is more secure than a green card sponsored by an employer. ) If you have held a green card for the required length of time, you may apply for citizenship on your own merits.
Whether you need a visa, green card, or citizenship, the experienced Chicago Addison, Illinois employment immigration attorneys at Minsky, McCormick & Hallagan can help. We help employees develop both short and long-term plans for lawfully working in the United States. Contact us to schedule a consultation with an experienced immigration attorney.
26 Mar