Published: August 30, 2022
The demand for STEM workers in the United States is imminently rising. As the country works on innovating its economy and other social systems, the government and private companies need skilled professionals in the science and technology field to meet modern demands for development. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expressed that the U.S. may need up to a million immigrants for STEM jobs from 2020 to 2030.
If you are a STEM professional, now is the perfect time to apply for U.S. employment-based immigration. Our work visa attorneys can help you prepare and process your legal needs.
Best STEM Jobs for Worker Immigrants
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recommends STEM employment as an immigration path for permanent residency, and eventually, U.S. citizenship. Aside from being an in-demand field with promising opportunities for financial stability, some immigration policies exist simplifying STEM professionals’ transition into the U.S.
If you are still unsure which STEM-related jobs to apply for, review these examples:
1. Programmers
Software programming is a prevalent job among U.S. immigrants and through the years, they became top contenders in the field. Besides being programmers, immigrants also find related job opportunities as system managers, system analysts, and software engineers. Notably, most software programmer immigrants come from India, China, and Mexico.
2. Engineers
The multi-billion U.S. manufacturing industry constantly needs engineers from different fields to meet production quotas and drive innovation into the ongoing development cycles. As the U.S. economy transitions more into digitalization, most companies specifically look for computer engineers. Interestingly, for every engineering job open, there are 20 other related jobs that exist to complement an engineer’s role.
3. Chemists and other material scientists
Chemists are some of the most in-demand STEM workers in the U.S. because of their contribution to food and energy production research. In addition, companies who hire chemists add other material scientists to their employment roster. Material scientists are known to work on four major materials, namely: ceramics, metals, polymers, and composites.
4. Life scientists
Life scientists are experts who study living organisms’ substance, function, and interactions with others and their environments. In the U.S., the most needed life scientists are biological, agricultural, and food scientists. Besides food-related products, their work also contribute to the production and development of other daily necessities for humans and non-humans.
5. Home health aides
The aging population in the U.S. continues to increase and they need professionals to care for them at home. Home health aides may not have the same professional qualifications as nurses but they are skilled enough to keep elderly and sickly patients safe. It may not be as technical as the other STEM jobs, but it remains to be a highly sought after medical role.
6. Psychiatrists
Other than having an aging patient population, the U.S. also has a significant number of aging workers. About 25.6% of practicing psychiatrists are senior citizens. Experts worry about this statistic because the number of upcoming local psychiatrists is not replenishing the demands. For this reason, U.S. keeps on outsourcing psychiatrists from immigrants.
7. Clinical laboratory technicians
Clinical laboratory technicians are crucial parts of hospitals and clinics because they test samples, assess bodily conditions, and screen for diseases. Now that health protocols are stricter due to the pandemic, hospitals and clinics need more technicians to satisfy testing orders. Since locals do not satisfy the demand for lab technicians, immigrants can take advantage of this opportunity to earn dollars.
8. Registered nurses
Registered nurses are some of the most needed professions by the U.S. healthcare system today. Although the country is already moving past the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for nurses is still rising. After all, they are first responders to any medical emergencies. Notably, most immigrants who work as nurses come from the Philippines, Mexico, and India.
US Visa Options for Employment-based Immigration
You will always need a work visa to gain employment in the U.S., even if it is not a STEM-related job. Here are the top work visa options to choose from:
1. Employment First Preference EB-1(A) Visa
The first preference for employment-based immigration has three categories. EB-1(A), the first category, confers eligibility to non-citizens with extraordinary abilities. Applicants should demonstrate said extraordinary abilities in scientific, artistic, academic, business, or athletic fields through sustained national or international acclaim. Never skip any of the qualifications to successfully acquire this visa.
2. Employment First Preference EB-1(B) Visa
The EB-1(B) visa is the second option under the first preference for the employment-based immigration. This category covers outstanding professors and researchers who could demonstrate international recognition for past works. Discuss with an immigration lawyer to avoid missing any of the requirements.
3. Employment First Preference EB-1(C) Visa
The third category of the first preference for employment-based immigration is for multinational managers and executive. To qualify, applicants should have been working for the petitioner company for at least a year. ALG Lawyers can help explain the intricacies that this application may involve so do not hesitate to reach out.
4. Employment Second Preference EB-2 Visa
The second preference for employment-based immigration has two categories, namely, for advanced degree holders and those with exceptional abilities. Depending on the position applied for, applicants for both categories may need labor certifications. Get in touch with one of ALG Lawyers’ EB-2 lawyers for more information.
5. Employment Third Preference EB-3 Visa
The third preference for employment-based immigration has three categories: skilled workers, professionals, and unskilled workers. All three differ from each other and may have unique sets of requirements. Please book an appointment with one of ALG Lawyers’ EB-3 lawyers so that we can clarify your queries.
A good lawyer’s advice will help you accomplish the necessary processes without committing severe mistakes that could entail irreversible consequences. ALG Lawyers can help you choose which of these work visas suit you the most.
Work Visa Attorneys You Can Trust in Los Angeles, CA
Besides landing your ideal STEM job, one of the most important things when planning to work in the U.S. is having a smooth immigration process. If you are around Los Angeles, feel free to coordinate with our immigration lawyers. We can help ensure that your rights and privileges as an immigrant are protected.
Through our immigration services, we witnessed clients from different parts of the work join some of the most successful STEM careers in the U.S. We wish to do the same to you! ALG Lawyers has an adept and well-experienced legal team to support you and your endeavors.
(Please note that this article does not create an Attorney-Client relationship between our law firm and the reader and is provided for informational purposes only. Information in this article does not apply to all readers. Readers should not rely on this information as legal advice and should seek specific counsel from a qualified attorney based on their individual circumstances. Thank you.)