Work-based immigration has always been one of the best ways to legally enter the United States. Successful professionals and highly-educated individuals may be able to use their job skills to secure employment-based visas to live and work in the United States. In many cases, professionals who acquire domestic jobs can stay in the country lawfully for long enough to qualify for a green card.
They may then eventually be able to naturalize and become citizens of the United States. They typically also have an opportunity to bring their spouses and unmarried minor children with them. There are a variety of different work-based visa programs. There are programs for intra-company transfers when organizations need managers or other skilled workers to fill positions domestically.
There are also numerous visa programs that allow companies to hire professionals currently living and working abroad. Professionals in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields are often among the most sought-after international employees. Recent changes to visa programs may provide more opportunities for STEM professionals to legally live and work in the United States.
What programs have changed?
There have been two specific changes that are beneficial for STEM professionals. The first was the expansion of the O-1A visa. An O-1A visa is for foreign workers with extraordinary abilities. This program saw a nearly 30% increase in visas awarded in 2022 after the implementation of new rules. 4,570 workers used the O-1A visa to legally enter and work in the United States.
The second option is the EB-2 visa. Those with advanced STEM degrees can now qualify for EB-2 visas with a national interest waiver. In 2022, there was a 55% increase in EB-2 visas from 2021, resulting in 70,240 people securing visas. The national interest waiver eliminates the need for labor certification before hiring international talent, making EB-2 visas more accessible.
STEM professionals and the companies hoping to hire them often need assistance when evaluating different visa options and trying to meet the paperwork requirements to secure those visas. Reviewing work-based immigration rules may help STEM professionals and companies that require their services take advantage of these exciting program changes. Professionals with advanced education and special skills may be eligible for visas and job opportunities in the United States.
