Permanent Residency

Employment-Based Visa Attorney in Boulder, Colorado

Permanent residency options

Colorado immigration lawyer Lisa E. Battan provides comprehensive legal advice and representation for immigration issues related to permanent residency through employment (including labor certifications and green cards) and citizenship. Permanent Residency and Citizenship issues can be complicated and frustrating. You can rely on our experience to guide you through the immigration process, step by step. Contact a Colorado immigration lawyer.

Permanent Residence Through Employment

There are five basic types of business immigrant visas, including EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 visas, ranked in order of priority of need by U.S. employers and the economy. These immigrants become permanent residents (obtain green cards), and the indefinite right to live and work in the United States, as long as they maintain their status.

Business immigrants are usually sponsored by a U.S. employer based upon a demonstrated need. This process is commonly called "labor certification." This means that the employer must show that there are no U.S. workers who are able, qualified, or willing to take the job. This process begins by filing an application for alien labor certification with the Department of Labor. This application shows that the foreign national employee is qualified for the position and that, after advertising, there are no qualified U.S. workers for the position. If the Department of Labor certifies the application, the employer may file an Immigrant Petition with the USCIS on the employee's behalf.

However, some business immigrants do not need to file an application for alien labor certification. Instead, they may proceed immediately with the Immigrant Petition. These immigrants include Registered Nurses, Physical Therapists, Outstanding Professors and Researchers, and Multinational Managers and Executives. In addition, some foreign nationals do not need employer sponsorship; they may self-petition if they meet statutory criteria for extraordinary ability in their field, or if their entry would be in the national interest. Trust in our experience to provide legal advice you can rely on.

Contact an employment-based visa attorney to discuss your immigration options. At Lisa E. Battan, P.C., we are dedicated to helping you successfully navigate the immigration process.