There are two main immigration pathways for those who want to live in the United States. The first involves family-based immigration. Those who have relatives or spouses in the United States may be eligible for visas or green cards. The second pathway to lawful residence in the United States is through employment. There are numerous different types of employment visas available to professionals, as well as student visas for those pursuing an advanced degree. There are investment visa programs and special visas for medical professionals. There are visas for intracompany transfers and for professionals with degrees.
Those who have developed their careers or pursued higher education may be able to convert their hard work into immigration opportunities for themselves and their families. Can individuals with employment visas help their loved ones legally enter and live in the United States?
Immediate family members can also obtain visas
Employment-based visas would not be an attractive option if the professional had to leave their family members to work in the United States. Thankfully, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) also oversees visa programs for the immediate family members of qualifying professionals.
Individuals who are eligible for an employment visa can apply for subordinate visas for their immediate family members. Each family member seeking to travel with the worker must submit an application. The family typically has to pay multiple fees, and every applicant must submit to a background check.
Visas are available for the spouses of professionals moving to the United States for work. There are also visas available for unmarried children who are under the age of 21. Married children and older children are usually not eligible for family visas related to a work visa.
The family members who secure subordinate visas typically have visas that last as long as the work visa. They can renew their visas as many times as the professional can. In theory, the entire family can remain in the United States for the same amount of time. Those hoping to travel with family members for employment purposes often need help coordinating multiple applications.
Learning more about employment-based visas can be beneficial for professionals and their immediate family members. Those who qualify for such visas can often help their spouses and children find opportunities in the United States as well.