Since I launched my website almost a year ago, I frequently get questions that come to me via my "Ask Vida" button.  I personally answer these questions from visitors to my website and thought it would be helpful to post some commonly asked questions here and share the answers with everyone. One of the most common questions is, "How do I get a work visa?"  Work-based visas normally require the sponsorship of an employer.  Therefore, you generally have know the company you will be working for before you can obtain a work visa because they have to submit the application letting USCIS ...

In an employment-based permanent residence (green card) process, both employer and employee must qualify under U.S. immigration laws. On the one hand, the U.S. employer needs to demonstrate that there are no U.S. Citizens or permanent residents in the state who are ready, willing and able to do the work that the foreign employee is being hired to do at the prevailing wage. On the part of the employee, he/she must demonstrate that he/she is qualified for the position in terms of either academic, work experience or a combination of both.   There are 3 steps to obtaining a Green Card ...

NOTE: After you read this post, see the February 2009 update with current wait times from the Visa Bulletin.   The answer depends on whether you are a permanent resident (green card holder) or a U.S. Citizen. U.S. Citizens can sponsor additional family members that green card holders cannot sponsor. Additionally, U.S. Citizens can petition for a fiance/fiancee to come to the U.S. to be married, while a green card holder is not given the same privilege. The person filing the petition is called the Petitioner. The person you are filing for is called the Beneficiary. Your ...

This is the launch of my first blog on my new website www.vidagolaw.com. I'm looking forward to posting helpful tips, new changes in the law and general community information. I hope that you will find something of interest. ...