Learn about the requirements to apply for an immigrant visa through employment and how to sponsor a permanent worker.
If you have the necessary education or skills, you may be eligible for a permanent worker visa to immigrate with your family to the U.S.
Types of immigrant work visas and their requirements
There are five categories of immigrant visas for permanent workers. The requirements to qualify vary depending on the type of visa.
- Each category is intended for different professions or skills.
- Some categories require you to have a job offer from a U.S. employer (sponsor) before submitting your visa application.
- Some categories require the employer (sponsor) to file an application with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and obtain a labor certification from the Department of Labor (DOL).
How to apply for an immigrant work visa
- Forms and documents you will need
- Processing fees
- Visa interview
- Medical exams
- How to become a permanent resident (Green Card holder)
To hire a foreign worker, you may have to sponsor them so they can get an immigrant work visa.
First, find out if you have to get a labor certification from the Department of Labor (DOL).
- Learn about the DOL labor certification process, also known as PERM.
- Apply for certification using the Permanent Online System or using ETA Form 9089[PDF, 1.1MB].
Once you have been certified, file your certification along with Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers with USCIS.
