Houston Permanent Work Visa Lawyers
A permanent work visa, also known as a permanent employment visa or immigrant visa, allows individuals to obtain lawful permanent residency (a green card) through employment. At Lamb and Turner, our Houston permanent work visa lawyers guide foreign workers and sponsoring employers through every stage of the immigration process.
Employment-Based Immigration Categories
The U.S. immigration system organizes employment-based immigrant visas into five preference categories: EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, EB-4, and EB-5.
EB-1 Visa: Priority Workers
The EB-1 visa is for priority workers, including:
- Multinational executives or managers
- Individuals with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics
- Outstanding professors or researchers
Applicants in this category may self-petition, and typically no labor certification is required.
EB-2 and EB-3 Visas: Skilled and Professional Workers
The EB-2 visa is for professionals holding an advanced degree with exceptional ability in specific fields. Most applicants require a labor certification to prove that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the role.
EB-4 Visa: Special Immigrants
The EB-4 visa category includes certain special immigrants, such as:
- Religious workers
- Members of the U.S. Armed Forces
- Certain physicians serving underserved communities
- Broadcasters, Afghan/Iraqi translators, and others in unique roles
EB-4 visas often serve humanitarian or national interest objectives and may have changing requirements.
EB-5 Visa: Investors
The EB-5 visa offers a path to permanent residency for investors who contribute to the U.S. economy. To qualify, an individual must invest in a commercial enterprise (company) and create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.
The Role of the Department of Labor and Employers
Most employment-based green card categories require certification from the Department of Labor (DOL) to ensure hiring a foreign worker won’t negatively impact U.S. workers. Employers must prove they couldn’t find a qualified U.S. worker for the role and that the foreign national will be paid a prevailing wage.
Legal Guidance from Immigration Attorneys
A permanent work visa lawyer is critical for immigrants and foreign nationals navigating U.S. immigration law. Your Houston immigration attorney ensures compliance with federal law while reducing delays and minimizing errors.
Common Questions About Permanent Work Visas
What is the difference between a temporary work visa and a permanent work visa?
A temporary work visa allows individuals to work in the U.S. for a specific period and often ties them to a particular employer. A permanent work visa, on the other hand, leads to lawful permanent residency (a green card) and offers more freedom, including long-term employment options, family sponsorship benefits, and eligibility for U.S. citizenship.
Do I need an employer to sponsor my permanent work visa?
Most EB-2 and EB-3 applicants require employer sponsorship and labor certification. However, exceptions exist—individuals with extraordinary ability (EB-1) or investors (EB-5) may qualify without a U.S. employer.
Which employment-based visa category is right for me?
Those with advanced degrees may pursue EB-2. Skilled or unskilled workers may qualify for EB-3. Investors look to EB-5, while religious workers or special groups might be eligible under EB-4. Consulting an immigration attorney is the best way to determine your ideal path.
Contact Houston Permanent Work Visa Lawyers Today
At Lamb & Turner, our Houston permanent work visa lawyers are committed to helping foreign professionals, skilled workers, and investors secure their future in the United States. We provide personalized strategies, manage the legal complexities, and advocate on your behalf at every step. Contact us today for a free consultation.
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Mr. Lamb is exceptional, he listened to all of our concerns and was very thorough explaining my process on the first consultation. Isela is superb always very attentive and responsive to all my questions. She would always respond in a timely manner to my calls/emails.
Jessica was great updating me with the actions taken against my case via email. Overall a great experience everyone always treated my husband and I as family. Thank you for all you do.
Carla Orona 
Attorney Turner is the best! From our initial consultation to the resolution of our case, she and her team showed genuine commitment. Their expertise, professionalism, and excellent communication skills made the entire process smooth and stress-free. I would highly recommend Lamb and Turner for all your legal matters.
Kanza Fatima
Mr. Lamb is amazing and the best attorney I have ever dealt with . The whole staff truly cares and you are not just a number. I am beyond relieved I have Mr Lamb and his assistant that are a Real team behind me. They will take care and make things right for you!
Tara Geck
This firm is very knowledgeable in every aspect of their practice. Everyone within the firm is passionate about what they do! They live for their WHY! Great experience! I cannot say how thankful I am to have found this firm, they are phenomenal! Best immigration lawyers!
Nevay Murphy