Successful professionals, investors and entrepreneurs are among those who might qualify for employment or career-based immigration. There are a number of different visas available depending on the industry and other details.
Typically, those granted employment visas by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) must maintain those jobs for the entire time they reside in the United States. Their reliance on a specific job may end when they secure a green card, which may allow for more employment flexibility.
Some professionals may lose their jobs before they adjust their status. Are they at risk of removal from the country?
Immigrants have time to find new employment
Typically, those who qualify for employment visas have experience or skills that make them valuable to domestic companies and to the domestic economy overall. Talented and educated workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own could still be beneficial to the country.
The USCIS extends immigrants with employment visas a grace period if they lose their jobs unexpectedly. Immigrants who find a new job within 60 days can work with their new employer to secure updated visas.
They can then continue living and working in the United States. In some cases, immigrants may struggle to find new employment, but they may be eligible for other forms of legal protection.
Consulting with an attorney can help immigrants with employment-based visas navigate unexpected job losses and other complications. Immigrants can often remain in the United States if they understand their rights and act promptly to respond to a termination.