How Can I Ask My Employer to Sponsor Me for a Green Card?
22 Sep 2022
Working in the United States is a dream for many people around the world. If you believe you’ve exhibited enough skill and demonstrated enough value to warrant an opportunity in the United States, you could ask your employer for some help. They can help you obtain an employer sponsored green card.
Working closely with you and your employer, we at JCL Immigration Attorneys PLLC can help improve your chances of obtaining a Green Card through employment sponsorship. As your Scottsdale immigration lawyer, we can help get things in order so the application process will be smoother on your end.
How You Can Ask for Sponsorship for a Green Card
There are generally two ways of requesting green card sponsorship from your employer. First off, you can ask for an employer sponsored green card during your job interview. While your potential employer is asking about your goals, you can tell them about your desire to work and live in the United States permanently.
If the process gets to the point where they are formally offering you a job, you can negotiate for certain provisions to be added to your employment offer that would make it easier for you to get that green card. The employmenet offer could state that you can ask for sponsorship if you meet certain performance benchmarks or reach certain milestones with your employer. This approach may be considered if you bring extremely unique skills to your employer, and your request for a green card will not been seen as overly aggressive, but rather a negotiation point. Also having an agreement upfront takes the guess work out, and both you and your employer will have reasonable expectation moving forward.
You can also request sponsorship from your employer when you’ve already established yourself within the company. Once you’ve demonstrated your value to your employer, they may be more receptive to the idea of sponsoring your for a green card. This is a more common approach. It is a lot to ask an employer to sponsor you for a green card, especially before they get to know you. However, after you have formed a good working relationship with your employer, the discussion will be a lot easier and your request will receive a much better consideration.
Types of Employment Based Green Cards
If you’re aiming to obtain a green card into the United States through your job, you will likely seek classification in EB-1, EB-2, or EB-3 employment-based preference category.
The EB-1 category is reserved for priority workers. These are the workers who have shown extraordinary ability in the arts, athletics, business, education, or the sciences. You can also get an EB-1 classification if you are a noted professor or researcher. EB-1 classification may also be given to multinational executives and managers.
EB-2 classification applies to workers who have advanced degrees. You may also be a candidate for this if you meet the criteria for “National Interest Waiver.”
Finally, the EB-3 classification generally applies to professionals with at least a bachelor’s degree, or skilled workers requiring at least two years of training.
How Does the Sponsorship Work?
To get a company sponsored green card, you and your employer will need to meet certain requirements. On the employer side, they must be able to offer you a full-time position and appropriate wages. For most employment-based sponsorship categories, your employer must also make a good-faith effort to recruit a qualified U.S. workers.
Prospective employees will also have to produce evidence of the educational and professional backgrounds, such as diploma, transcripts, employment verification letters, current resume, etc. Work closely with your Scottsdale green card attorney so you can gather everything you need.
Is Hiring a Scottsdale Immigration Lawyer Necessary?
If you’re planning to move to the United States using a company sponsored green card, it is helpful for you to hire a Scottsdale immigration lawyer.
As mentioned earlier, your attorney can help you collect all the documents and pieces of evidence that you will need during the application process. In addition, your attorney can also identify any inadmissibility issues or similar problems. Once they’ve identified the issue, they can take action and keep your application moving in the right direction.
These applications will also take time. Your immigration lawyer can keep you and you’re employer updated as your application moves forward.
We at JCL Immigration Attorneys PLLC would like to offer our services if you are seeking employment-based green card sponsorship via your employer. Contact us today so we can help you navigate that complex process.
