21 Aug Appropriate visa to bring worker to U.S. depends on situation
There are many reasons why people from other countries want to come to the United States. One of those reasons is for employment. As is the case with many things in the realm of immigration, there are multiple ways in which a visa enabling this might be secured. The best route will depend upon each specific situation.
Temporary workers
For those who will only be in the country for a short period of time for work, a couple of different options exist. When the reason for coming to the U.S. is for business, a temporary visa for business may be sought. These are also referred to as B-1 visas.
Nonimmigrant workers who seek to work in the U.S. temporarily for a specific purpose can also make their way here for a period of time. Once here, their activities are restricted to the reason stated on their visa. In this situation, there are a variety of visas that a prospective employer could file with the United States Citizen and Immigration Services.
Permanent workers
There is a limit as to how many immigrant visas are available to permanent workers each year. Approximately 140,000 such visas are made available annually to those who have certain work experience, education and skills. Depending on the preference sought, an approved labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor may be necessary. An employer will seek this approval from the DOL.
There is no question that navigating the complex immigration system can be complicated. For that reason, it is usually a good idea for individuals and employers to seek assistance from an immigration lawyer.