Employment-Based Immigration: Visas vs. Green Cards (Plain-English Overview)

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Two pathways to work in the U.S.

 

When people talk about “work immigration,” they usually mean one of two tracks:

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1) Temporary work visas (nonimmigrant):
Short-term permission to live in the U.S. for a specific purpose—work, study, training, or business travel. There are 20+ categories (e.g., H-1B, L-1, O-1, E-2, TN, J-1, F-1/OPT). Each has its own eligibility rules, time limits, and employer/documentation needs. We guide clients through most major categories.

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2) Employment-based green cards (immigrant):

Lawful permanent residence authorises you to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely. You can change employers and roles freely (subject to some process considerations during an active green card case). Green cards can be lost for fraud, certain crimes, or long absences suggesting you’ve made your “home” elsewhere, but for most people it’s truly permanent residence. Many permanent residents later qualify to apply for U.S. citizenship.

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Like most immigration conundrums, there are solutions, but they require planning and preparation. Contact us for a  FREE consultation to discuss your specific situation.

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