US Immigration Options for IT Workers

The IT industry in the United States is steadily growing, with almost 3 million employees in 2020 alone. IT professionals are few among the most in-demand members of today’s labor force, and many foreign workers are aiming to become part of the American technology sector. But before you finally move to the US, you need immigration lawyers in Manhattan, NY, to help you complete the process.

US immigration options for IT workers

The only way to be employed legally in the States is to obtain a work visa. For IT professionals, you have the following options:

Working Visa

People with experience in Information Technology often apply for the H-1B visa, a permit for specialty occupations. The INS will initially issue the visa for a period of three years; however, it is possible to extend it after the three-year period to up to 6 years.

As an IT professional, you may be required to have the following before qualifying for an H-1B visa:

• A job offer from a US employer with the prevailing wage paid in the same US geographic area
• The correct background for the job being offered

Treaty Visa

Nationals of certain countries are allowed to immigrate to the US under Treaty visas. Here are the specific visas issued for different nationals:

• Canadians and Mexicans are eligible for the TN visa
• Australians are eligible for E-3 visa, which is similar to the H-1B visa
• Chileans and Singaporeans may apply for the H-1B1 visa

Extraordinary Ability Visa

The O-1 temporary visa is eligible for people who demonstrate extraordinary arts, sciences, business, education, or athletics skills. There are various types of O-1 visas, including:

• The O-1A visa for those with extraordinary skills in the sciences, business, education, and athletics
• The O-1B visa for those with extraordinary skills and achievements in the arts, television, or motion picture industries
• The O-2 visa for those who will assist an O-1 visa holder
• The O-3 visa for spouses or children of an O-1 or O-2 visa holder

Permanent Residency

IT workers may obtain permanent residency, also known as a green card, through family-based or employment-based immigration. Speak with a trusted immigration lawyer in Manhattan, NY, to learn more.

Obtaining an occupation visa in the US — Immigration law firms in NYC

Immigration law firms in NYC can provide advice and guidance for matters such as your H-1B visa application, treaty visa procedures, and green card application. They can also represent you before the authorities, including the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of Labor (DOL).

Are you ready to enter to one of the world’s most successful IT markets? It’s best to find an immigration lawyer in Manhattan, NY who can serve both national and international clients. Choose professionals who have many years of experience dealing with all kinds of immigration matters, whether simple or complex!

About the Author:

This content is written by Patrick Klauss, Esq, who is an immigration lawyer and a partner at Berd&Klauss, PLLC. The firm specializes in immigration & immigration-related issues and handles everything from immigrant visas to deportation and waivers.