Immigration services
Employment-Based Immigration Lawyer in Houston
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If you need an employment immigration lawyer in Houston, Herrera Law Firm can help. We work with people who have a permanent job opportunity in the United States and with employers who want to sponsor them.
Our team speaks English and Spanish. Every case starts with a one-hour consultation.
What employment-based immigration means
An immigrant is a foreign national who has been authorized to live and work permanently in the United States. To become an immigrant based on a permanent employment opportunity, or to sponsor someone for lawful permanent residence, you follow a multi-step process.
The United States allows up to 140,000 immigrants each year to be granted permanent residence based on their work in the country. The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) has preferences for different types of workers.
What an employment immigration lawyer in Houston handles
We handle these employment-based categories:
- Labor certification (PERM)
- EB-1 petitions for persons with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors & researchers, multinational managers and executives
- EB-2 petitions for professionals holding an advanced degree, individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement, National Interest Waiver (NIW)
- EB-3 petitions for skilled workers, professionals, and unskilled workers (other workers)
Five steps to permanent residence through an employer
- Check eligibility. The worker and the employer must determine if the worker is eligible for lawful permanent residency under one of the USCIS paths.
- Apply for labor certification. Most employment visa categories require the U.S. business to apply for a labor certification for the applicant. The business files it with the Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration.
- File the immigrant visa petition. The company that wants to bring the employee to the United States to work permanently files this petition. USCIS has to approve it.
- Receive an immigrant visa number. The State Department must give the applicant an immigrant visa number, even if the applicant is already in the United States. The number means an immigrant visa has been assigned.
- Adjust status or finish at a consulate. An applicant in the United States has to file to adjust status to permanent resident after a visa becomes available. An applicant who is abroad at that time must finish the process at the local U.S. consulate office.
Temporary work visas and other immigration services
If you need a work visa attorney, ask us about nonimmigrant visas (temporary work visas). Our Houston immigration lawyers work on all immigration law cases, including green cards and the H-1B visa. We also handle types of investor and employment visas for ability in the sciences, education, business or sport, and for religious workers. You can ask us about a variety of other immigration services too.
How Herrera Law Firm helps with employment-based immigration in Houston
Attorney Hector Herrera and his team have assisted thousands of immigrants in their efforts to live and work in the United States. We learn your goal, explore your options and then carry out the plan together. Attorney Matilda Rhoda Matiru is Board Certified in Immigration & Nationality Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
Questions about employment-based immigration in Houston
Who can apply for permanent residence through employment?
The process is for foreign nationals with a permanent employment opportunity in the United States. It is also for employers that want to sponsor someone.
What does the employer have to file?
Most employment visa categories require the U.S. business to apply for a labor certification. The company also files the immigrant visa petition.
Do I need an employment-based immigration lawyer?
The process involves the Department of Labor, USCIS and the State Department. We explain each step in your consultation.
Can you help if I live outside Houston?
Yes. Our clients come from Houston, Katy, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, Pearland, Cypress and nearby cities. We also represent clients in other states.
Ready to take the first step?
Book your one-hour consultation and leave with a clear plan for your case.