Professionals and Skilled Workers

Professionals
Professionals must possess a baccalaureate degree or foreign degree equivalent, and the petitioner must prove that such a degree is the normal requirement for entry into the profession. If the Labor Certification specifies “Bachelor’s or equivalent,” as a requirement a foreign national will not qualify for classification as a professional if he or she lacks a bachelor’s or foreign equivalent degree. However, any foreign national who would claim such equivalency is likely to have at least two years of training or experience and thus qualify as a skilled worker.

Skilled Workers
Skilled workers are those in positions that require a minimum of two years of training or experience. Relevant postsecondary education counts as training. The requirements of the job offer as stated in the Labor Certification process determine whether a job is skilled or unskilled. If the position is precertified under Schedule A, the petitioner must show, by either industry standards or its own past practice, that the job requires two years of experience.

Other Workers
Other workers include those unlucky enough to be in positions requiring less than two years of higher education, training, or experience. The current backlog for this category is approximately ten years, but advancement fluctuates so the wait could be even longer. Because of this waiting period this classification is not considered a viable option.

Read Next: Immigrant Investors

Related Links

• Immigrant Visas - Introduction

• Priority Workers

• Advanced Degree Professionals and Workers of Exceptional Ability

• Immigrant Investors

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