Anyone interested in applying for an employment-based visa must first meet visa criteria. The criteria for temporary and permanent employment-based visas differ but generally require holders to:

• Go through the naturalization process through the U.S. Citizen Citizenship and Immigration Services (in permanent holders’ cases)
• Be at least 18 years old
• Speak, read, and write English
• Be of “good moral character”

Applicants who intend to use an employment-based visa to secure a green card and then citizenship must also hold their green card for at least five years. Green card holders with citizen spouses may apply for citizenship after only three years.

Specialty visas, including visas for traveling artists, may require proof of employment or outstanding workmanship. Our immigration lawyers can help you gather the data you need to solidify your visa application. We can also challenge any questions that may compromise your right to come to the U.S.

Applications and Requirements