Want to start your career in the U.S.? This article is all about decoding U.S. visas, what a visa gives you a permit to work legally in the U.S., and how you can become a permanent citizen or get a green card in the U.S. Read the complete guide and know everything you need to know about U.S. visas.
What is an H1B Visa?
The H-1B visa is for foreign workers in the United States. It is obtained by an employer, who will then hire the employee in a specialty occupation. This visa lasts for three years and may be renewed for six years. The special thing about this type of visa is that it allows its holder to have dual intent with the green card system.
What is an H4 Visa?
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issues the H4 visa to dependents of nonimmigrant workers such as H1B visa holders. The H4 visa is available only for spouses and unmarried children (under the age of 21), and they can stay in the U.S. until the tenure of the primary visa holder. In addition to staying in the U.S., the government allows H4 Visa holders to study and work.
What is an H4EAD Visa?
H4EAD, as the name suggests, is an Employment Authorization Document that permits H4 visa holders to work in the U.S. until the tenure of the primary visa holder.
Qualifications Required to Apply for H4EAD
There are certain criteria that you must fall into to avail of your H4EAD visa:
- The person applying should be the spouse of an H1B visa holder (nonimmigrant) who is the principal beneficiary of an approved Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker);
- The person applying should be in H4 nonimmigrant status and
- The person applying must not have any other work authorization in the U.S.
Green Card
A Green Card, also known as a Permanent Resident Card, legally authorizes people to live and work in the United States permanently. People are eligible to apply for a Green Card through various categories such as employment-based, family-based, refugee or asylum status, and so many others. They are allowed to work at any job within the U.S., go abroad without restrictions on time spent away from the U.S., and even become citizens after a period defined by immigration laws.
Key Distinctions
- The H-1B visa is a temporary visa, while the Green Card allows for permanent residency.
- H-1B visa status depends on the employer, in contrast to a Green Card, which is not job-specific.
- Normally, getting a Green Card is more complicated and time-consuming than applying for an H-1B visa.
Transiting from H1B to green card
Since the dual intent of the H1B visa, those who have it are eligible to apply for the green card.
Types of Green Cards in the U.S.
- Family-Based Green Card
- Political Asylum-Based Green Card
- Adoption-Based Green Card
- Refugee-Based Green Card
- Diversity-Based Green Card
Switching from an H1B visa to a green card generally involves several main steps:
- Permanent Labor Certification
- Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker)
- Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence
Processing Time- this depends on the green card category and the country from which the applicant belongs.
Get H1B Sponsored By Technman Consulting
At Technman Consulting, we sponsor talented individuals to boost their careers. We find potential employers and projects in the U.S. aligning with your job domain. We also help with complete assistance and documentation, such as submitting a complete and accurate Labor Condition Application (LCA) Form 9035 to the Department of Labor, filing a completed Form I-129 and Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker with USCIS.
Final Words
Moving from an H1B visa to a green card is very confusing and time-consuming. However, understanding major processes and conditions may be beneficial during that time. Applicants should know about current immigration laws. Professional advice is recommended if needed.
