The technology industry is booming, and technology has become a very broad career field. Most products consumers use each day are related in some way to technology. While consumers rely on intuitive technology in order to easily use their iPhones, laptops, and other electronic devices, the process for designing and manufacturing such products is no easy task. It takes highly skilled, educated and qualified employees to meet the demands that technology companies require.
A large percentage of H-1B visa-holders work in the technology industry. Most notably, such technology-related jobs include the fields of engineering, science, and computer programming. Countries abroad have been known to have a strong applicant pool for technology-related job positions. This reality has made some United States citizens and permanent residents feel underutilized in that many are educated in technology-related fields, but are losing the fight for jobs to H-1B visa-holders.
The fact remains that many H-1B workers have qualifications that help to expand United States businesses. This is not to say that local job applicants cannot compete, but simply that some companies desire employees who have knowledge obtained outside of the United States. Perhaps a particular company requires knowledge that a foreign country specializes in terms of the education offered in that particular country. For example, India has a strong computer programming sector, and there may be knowledge unique to Indians that some local applicants simply do not have.
Will My Technology-Related Job Really Be Temporary?
While the H-1B visa is meant to be a temporary work visa whereby visa-holders remain in the United States for a period of three or six years, it is certain possible to remain in the United States longer. Many H-1B visa holders must return to their home country once the six year period has ended. However, depending on your job skills, you may be able to apply for EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, EB-4, or EB-5 classification. These classifications are for individuals seeking to live and work permanently in the United States. It is important to understand that there is a high threshold for the level of skill required to adjust your status from a temporary work visa to permanent works status.
Further, you may be able to apply for an adjustment of status in order to obtain permanent resident status if you marry a United States citizen. As long as you lawfully entered the United States with your H-1B visa, if you qualify, you can likely seek to adjust your status from non-immigrant to immigrant, and perhaps take the path to citizenship in the future. Whatever path you decide to take, it is essential that you seek the advice of an experienced immigration attorney to guide you in the direction that best suits your wishes and needs. If you truly only want to stay in the United States and work for a short period of time, then the H-1B temporary work visa is perfect for your needs. However, if you initially plan to stay in the United States permanently, you may be able to take a different path to accomplish your goals in the United States technology sector.
Contact the Immigration Attorneys of Geygan & Geygan, Ltd. Today For a Free Consultation
If you are interested in working in the United States and believe you may qualify for an H-1B non-immigrant temporary worker visa, or if you have already been offered a job in the United States, you should speak with an immigration attorney as soon as possible to ensure you are following the proper steps to obtain an H-1B visa. At Geygan & Geygan, Ltd., our immigration attorneys walk our clients through each and every step of the process to make sure you understand what is required. Contact us today at (513) 791-1673 to schedule your free consultation with one of our attorneys.