Employment-Based Green Cards in Alabama

1. What is the waiting period for Employment-based Green Cards in Alabama?

The waiting period for Employment-based Green Cards in Alabama varies depending on the type of visa and the applicant’s country of origin. Most applicants wait several years for their green card to be approved, with some waiting as long as a decade or more.

2. What are the eligibility criteria for an Employment-Based Green Card in Alabama?

The eligibility requirements for an Employment-Based Green Card in Alabama are the same as elsewhere in the United States. The applicant must have a valid job offer from a U.S. employer and must be qualified to perform the job duties for which they are applying. The applicant must also satisfy the following criteria:

– Be the beneficiary of an approved immigrant petition
– Possess the necessary qualifications and skills for the offered job
– Have a valid passport and other required documents
– Be admissible to the U.S. under immigration laws
– Have a valid labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor, if applicable
– Demonstrate that they are not likely to become a public charge in the United States
– Demonstrate that they will not take a job away from a U.S. worker
– Meet all other eligibility criteria of the applicable immigrant visa category

3. What is the process for obtaining an Employment-Based Green Card in Alabama?

The process for obtaining an Employment-Based Green Card in Alabama is the same as in any other state in the United States. This process includes obtaining a job offer from a US employer, submitting the appropriate forms to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services, providing supporting documents, paying the necessary fees, and attending an interview. Depending on the type of green card you are applying for, you may need to go through a labor certification process or an immigrant petition before filing your application. Additionally, processing time can vary depending on the type of green card you are applying for, as well as by district office.

4. Are there any special considerations for those seeking an Employment-Based Green Card in Alabama?

Yes, those seeking an Employment-Based Green Card in Alabama should be aware of the following:

1. Alabama is not a participant in the H-2A Temporary Agricultural Workers Program and therefore, employers seeking to hire foreign nationals for temporary agricultural work must petition for H-2B visas through another state’s Department of Labor.

2. All employers in Alabama must register with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and pay a $500 fee prior to filing any Immigration applications for foreign workers.

3. Depending on the job, employers may need to obtain a PERM labor certification or show an exemption from this requirement from the U.S. Department of Labor before filing an Immigration petition with USCIS.

4. Documentary evidence must be provided to show that the foreign national has the required qualifications and experience to do the job for which they are applying.

5. A valid job offer from an Alabama employer must be submitted along with the Immigration petition and any additional required evidence or documents.

5. What steps are required to be taken for filing an Employment-Based Green Card application in Alabama?

The specific steps for filing an Employment-Based Green Card application in Alabama depend on the specific situation and the type of green card being sought. Generally, the steps for filing an Employment-Based Green Card application in Alabama include:

1. Obtain labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) if required.
2. File the I-140 petition with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
3. For applicants already in the US, file an Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (Form I-485).
4. Pay the required application fees.
5. Submit additional documents and forms as needed by USCIS.
6. If applicable, attend an appointment with a USCIS officer for a biometrics appointment or an interview.
7. Receive a decision from USCIS on the green card application.

6. How long does the process take for obtaining an Employment-Based Green Card in Alabama?

The process of obtaining an Employment-Based Green Card in Alabama typically takes between 6-9 months. The amount of time can vary depending on the specific type of green card being applied for and the number of applicants in the queue.

7. Are there any legal restrictions or immigration limits on obtaining an Employment-Based Green Card in Alabama?

Yes. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) sets limits on the number of Employment-Based Green Cards that can be issued to individuals who live in Alabama each year. Individuals must also meet all of the eligibility requirements for the Employment-Based Green Card before they can obtain one. Additionally, the individual must obtain an employer’s sponsorship and the employer must file the necessary paperwork with USCIS before the individual can obtain a Green Card.

8. What are the filing fees for an Employment-Based Green Card application in Alabama?

The filing fees for an Employment-Based Green Card application in Alabama vary depending on the type of application and the number of family members applying. Generally, the filing fee for a Form I-140, Petition for Alien Worker is $700, and the filing fees for the Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, vary depending on the number of family members applying. For a single applicant, the filing fee is $1,140; for two applicants, the filing fee is $2,170; and for three applicants or more, the filing fee is $3,200.

9. Is there a minimum educational requirement to be eligible for an Employment-Based Green Card in Alabama?

No, there is not a minimum education requirement to be eligible for an Employment-Based Green Card in Alabama. However, the applicant must meet certain criteria related to their job skills and experience in order to qualify for the visa.

10. Can an individual apply for an Employment-Based Green Card while residing outside of Alabama?

Yes, an individual can apply for an Employment-Based Green Card while residing outside of Alabama. It is important to note that the application process for a green card may vary depending on the individual’s country of origin.

11. Are there any restrictions on the type of job that can be held with an Employment-Based Green Card in Alabama?

Yes, depending on the type of green card an individual has. For employment-based green cards, the individual must be employed in the occupation or job that was specified in their petition. Additionally, some categories of green cards require that the individual remain in the same job or be employed by the same employer for a certain period of time.

12. How can an individual renew their Employment-Based Green Card in Alabama?

If an individual is looking to renew their Employment-Based Green Card in Alabama, they can contact the local office of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to submit Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. Documents such as the individual’s current green card, a copy of a valid passport, two passport-style photos, and the appropriate filing fee must also be submitted.

13. What type of documents are needed to apply for an Employment-Based Green Card in Alabama?

In order to apply for an Employment-Based Green Card in Alabama, the following documents are typically needed:

-A copy of your job offer letter from your employer
-Proof of a valid work visa or other legal authorization to work in the U.S.
-Proof of qualifications, such as diploma, degree, or certificate
-Proof of past experiences, such as letters from former employers
-Proof of any certifications or licenses for the job you will be performing
-A copy of a current passport or other valid form of identification
-A completed Form I-140 Petition for Alien Worker
-Current medical examination results
-Proof of financial resources to support yourself during the green card process
-Two passport-style photos

14. Does the spouse of a holder of an Employment-Based Green Card need to apply for a separate card in Alabama?

No, generally speaking, the spouse of a holder of an Employment-Based Green Card does not need to apply for a separate card in Alabama. The holder’s Green Card includes the spouse as part of the family. The holder’s Green Card also grants the same rights and privileges as any other Green Card.

15. Does having a criminal record prevent an individual from obtaining an Employment-Based Green Card in Alabama?

Having a criminal record may prevent an individual from obtaining an Employment-Based Green Card in Alabama. In certain cases, a criminal conviction may lead to inadmissibility or even deportation. Therefore, it is important for anyone applying for an Employment-Based Green Card in Alabama to consult with an immigration attorney before filing an application.

16. Are there any limitations regarding travel with an Employment-Based Green Card in Alabama?

Yes, there are some limitations. An Employment-Based Green Card holder in Alabama must observe the following restrictions:

1. The green card holder should not stay outside the U.S. for a period exceeding 6 months.

2. The green card holder must have a valid green card at all times, while traveling abroad.

3. The green card holder cannot work for an employer outside the U.S. without obtaining an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

4. The green card holder must obtain an advance parole document from USCIS before travelling abroad if he/she plans to stay abroad for more than 6 months.

5. The green card holder must apply for renewal of the green card before it expires, if he/she plans to stay abroad for more than 1 year.

17. Are there any restrictions on who can sponsor an individual’s application for an Employment-Based Green Card in Alabama?

Yes, there are restrictions on who can sponsor an individual’s application for an Employment-Based Green Card in Alabama. The sponsoring employer must be able to show that they have a valid and existing business in the United States, and the applicant must have the necessary skills or qualifications to fill a specific position within the company. Additionally, an employer must be able to demonstrate that they are able to pay the required wage for the position and that the applicant does not displace any current U.S. workers.

18. Is it possible to convert an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to an Employment-Based Green Card in Alabama?

Yes, it is possible to convert an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to an Employment-Based Green Card in Alabama. Depending on the specific situation, the process may involve filing one or more applications with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), along with supporting documents and fees.

19. Does having dual citizenship affect the eligibility for obtaining an Employment-Based Green Card in Alabama?

Having dual citizenship does not affect your eligibility for obtaining an Employment-Based Green Card in Alabama. However, applicants must still meet the other requirements for eligibility, such as having a valid job offer from an employer in the United States, meeting the educational and experience requirements for the job they are applying for, and having a valid passport.

20. What is the processing time and cost for obtaining a Permanent Resident (Green) Card based on employment in Alabama?

The processing time and cost to obtain a permanent resident (green) card based on employment in Alabama will vary depending on the individual’s application and the current processing times. Generally, the filing fee for a Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, is $1,225 for a principal applicant, which includes a $85 biometrics fee. Additional fees may also apply. Processing times vary depending on the particular facts of each case and can take up to 6 months or more. Applicants should consult with an experienced immigration attorney for more specific information about their individual case.