The PERM (Program Electronic Review Management) labor certification is the first step for many employers seeking to hire foreign workers on a permanent basis. Administered by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), the PERM program ensures that employing foreign workers will not have a negative effect on the job prospects, income, and working conditions of U.S. citizens who are qualified, available, and willing to accept the job. To obtain PERM certification, employers must demonstrate that they were unable to find any qualified U.S. workers for the position after conducting extensive recruitment ..read more

The adjustment of status process enables particular immigrants in the U.S. to obtain permanent residency without leaving the country. However, the intricate application risks denials and delays without expert legal guidance. An experienced immigration attorney can help you navigate eligibility, paperwork, and long processing times to improve the chances of getting approval. Understanding the Adjustment of Status Process If you are already present in the United States and fulfill the eligibility criteria, you can obtain permanent residency without having to leave the country through adjustment ..read more

The employment-based green card allows foreign nationals to settle and pursue a career in the United States based on an offer of employment. Securing one is the goal of many employees and employers, but the process poses challenges. Staying current on the latest trends and policy changes is essential for successfully navigating this ever-evolving visa landscape. Skyrocketing Demand Meets Inflexible Limits The past two fiscal years set new records for employment visa usage, fueled by a temporary double-up of available numbers. However, even the boosted quotas proved inadequate to meet escalatin ..read more

For those who receive the status of lawful permanent United States resident, frequently referred to as a green card, there are likely questions about how this impacts tax obligations. As a green card holder, you are treated as a U.S. resident alien for tax purposes and must report worldwide income to the IRS, no matter where you reside or work. Being aware of what this entails for your taxes is important. When you first receive your green card, your U.S. tax residency generally begins on the initial day you are physically present in the country as a lawful permanent resident, which is the appr ..read more

If you are looking to get a green card through employment, you have likely come across the EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 categories. Known as employment-based green cards, these allow qualified foreign nationals to live and work permanently in the United States. When applying, it is important to understand the difference between these three green card options to make the correct choice for your situation. What Are Employment-Based Green Cards? Employment-based green cards are permanent resident cards sponsored by U.S. employers. There are five preference categories, the main three being: EB-1 for prio ..read more

Submitting Form I-485 allows you to apply for a green card while living in the United States through a process called adjustment of status. When you file this essential form with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), you’ll need to complete a key next step — attending a biometrics appointment. Here, USCIS captures your fingerprints, photographs you, and records your digital signature. These biometrics verify your identity and enable essential background checks during your adjustment journey. This article explains what you’ll encounter during biometrics and why providing prints and ..read more

If you are seeking a green card in the United States, you need to understand how priority dates determine when you can apply. A priority date essentially marks your place in line for a green card, and it is assigned when your I-130 petition is first filed. Monitoring your priority date is essential because green card availability depends on whether your priority date is current, according to the Department of State’s monthly Visa Bulletin. What Is a Priority Date? When a U.S. citizen or permanent resident sponsors a relative for a family-based green card, the first step is filing Form I-130 wi ..read more

Your Permanent Resident Card, known more colloquially as a green card, gives you permission to reside and work in the US permanently. It also serves as your primary form of identification and proof of permanent resident status when re-entering the country after international travel. But what if your green card is due to expire soon, and your renewal application is still being processed? Can you still travel abroad? The green card renewal process through filing Form I-90 can sometimes take over eight months. If your card expires before the renewal is processed, you may be stuck without any ..read more

Green cards provide you with the status of a lawful permanent resident, meaning you can live and work permanently in the United States. The EB3 category is specifically for skilled, professional, and other workers. If you are part of one of these categories, you may be able to get an EB3 green card. Do you qualify for an employment-based green card in the EB3 category? This article will explain the eligibility requirements, allowing you to determine if this immigration pathway is right for you. Employment-Based Green Card Categories There are five preference employment-based green card categor ..read more

If you are a foreign worker who needs to obtain permanent residence in the United States through employment, this will likely require your employer to get PERM labor certification as part of the process. The permanent labor certification program (PERM) ensures there are no qualified U.S. workers available before the employer can hire and sponsor you for a green card. Unfortunately, obtaining PERM approval often takes well over a year. Thankfully, there is an important rule regarding PERM that can help extend your H-1B status while you wait: the 1-year rule. The 1-Year Rule for Pending PERM Cas ..read more