To secure a job and Green Card in the United States legally, many people consult immigration consultants. Here’s a breakdown of the process shared by Danish Hussain with Hassan Abbas, the founder of Haq Immigration Consultants in Lahore:
1. Student Visa Misconception:
- Many consultants primarily offer student visas because it’s an easier route for them to process. However, it’s not always the best or most suitable option for everyone.
2. Employment-Based Green Card (EB-3 Visa):
- One of the best legal options for those wanting to move to the U.S. without needing to return after a set period is the EB-3 Visa. This is an employment-based immigration visa specifically for unskilled workers, skilled workers, or professionals.
- Hassan Abbas’s firm focuses on EB-3 visas for unskilled or other workers. This visa category does not necessarily require advanced education or specific professional experience.
- EB-3 Visa Highlights:
- The applicant needs a U.S.-based employer to sponsor them.
- It takes about 18 to 24 months to process due to involvement from the Department of Labor and other immigration bodies.
- The applicant must work with the sponsoring employer for at least one year.
- After this period, they are free to work anywhere in the U.S.
- The visa leads to a Green Card, which allows the person to stay in the U.S. permanently.
3. Costs and Process:
- The cost of the EB-3 visa process through Haq Immigration is $18,515 for the primary applicant. This includes attorney fees, visa application fees, and Green Card fees.
- The total expense for a family (primary applicant and spouse) would be around $20,000.
4. Job Opportunities:
- Common jobs under the EB-3 unskilled worker category include:
- Nursing assistants, care workers, sanitation workers, commercial cleaners, and warehouse jobs.
- Salaries start from around $2,000 per month, with opportunities to earn more after gaining experience.
5. English and Educational Requirements:
- No need for advanced education or English proficiency certificates.
- The only requirement is that the applicant must be able to communicate basic English during the visa interview and with their employer.
6. Green Card and Citizenship:
- After receiving the Green Card, the individual can stay in the U.S. indefinitely.
- After 5 years of residency, the individual can apply for U.S. citizenship, provided they meet the criteria, including staying in the U.S. for at least 183 days per year during that period.
This pathway, particularly through the EB-3 visa, offers a clear legal method to move to the U.S., secure employment, and eventually obtain permanent residency, with minimal educational or professional barriers.
