Immigration Attorney for Engineers

When U.S. companies have difficulty finding qualified professionals to fill important positions, they look beyond the borders for talent and skills. Engineering is one of the fields that consistently suffers a shortage of experts. Whether you’re in chemical engineering or a civil, electrical or mechanical engineer, chances are there’s a company eager to hire you. To complete the process with the least amount of hassle, call on an expert employment immigration lawyer at Kats Immigration Law.

Why Are Engineers in Demand around the World?

The global demand for qualified engineers is always increasing due to rapid technological advancements, innovation and the growing demand for renewable energy sources. The pressure for research and development in fields like automation, robotics, commercial space exploration and biotechnology is also increasing. This means that there is a job available for individuals in any area of interest within the engineering field, regardless of your current or future location.

For every engineer in manufacturing, there are 20 other workers in supporting roles in jobs like production and maintenance. Engineering complements these fields, increasing demand for various types of engineers and related professionals. During shortages of qualified engineers, businesses sometimes outsource production or relocate to areas with a larger engineering talent pool.

An employment-based immigration visa is ideal for individuals with engineering degrees and relevant skills. Alina Kats and her team of immigration specialists at Kats Immigration Law in New York City offer precise and prompt representation for business visas for engineers and other professionals, including:

• IT specialists
• Educators 
• Healthcare workers
• Artists and other creative professionals
• Entrepreneurs and investors

What Types of Engineers Are in Demand?

Engineers work in a variety of environments, such as in government agencies, automotive industries, construction companies and chemical labs. They can also work in multidisciplinary teams to solve challenging social and technological issues. Their work depends on their field and area of expertise. Engineering fields that are commonly in demand include:

• Civil engineering. Civil engineers work on infrastructure projects to design and build highways, streets, tunnels, airports, bridges, water, sewage treatment plants and other vital systems that modern society depends on.
• Electrical engineering. The full range of electrical and electronic parts and components, from radar, navigation, and communication systems to the electrical systems inside cars and airplanes, are covered by the wide subdiscipline of electrical engineering.
• Chemical engineering. This is an interdisciplinary field that integrates concepts from mathematics, physics, biology and chemistry. Its innovative solutions aid the food, drug and fuel industries in addressing their most pressing problems.
• Mechanical engineering. Mechanical engineers deal with devices, machinery and mechanical sensors, such as steam turbines and combustion engines. The work often involves creating prototypes, evaluating various mechanical systems and investigating equipment malfunctions.

Although all engineering fields and their tasks are different from each other, there are some commonalities in skills that most engineers possess, such as:

• Design and planning
• Problem-solving and troubleshooting
• Research and development
• Project management
• Testing and quality assurance
• Collaboration and communication
• Compliance with codes and standards
• Continuous learning and professional development

With an engineering degree and relevant work experience, your chances are quite high for obtaining an H1-B visa, which is intended for professionals with exceptional knowledge and abilities.

What Visa Options Are Available for Immigrant Engineers?

A wide range of visa options are available for civil, electrical, mechanical and chemical engineers. Depending on your circumstances, your level of education and experience or the prospect of an impending job offer, your New York City immigration attorney advises you on the best strategy to ensure success in your immigration application. Various visa options available for you may include:

• H-1B visas, granted for graduate-level positions requiring theoretical or technical expertise in specialized fields engineering
• TN visas, an ideal visa option available for engineers if you have a U.S.-based company willing to sponsor your application
• O-1 visas, available for non-immigrant foreign nationals with exceptional skills and a job offer, specifically designed to fast-track engineers in science-related fields

While it’s perfectly feasible for you to apply for a visa or a green card on your own, you increase the chances that you’ll be denied. Sometimes, it just takes one small error to lead officials to deny your request. You then realize you need an attorney to file an appeal on your behalf to improve your chances of approval.

What Can I Expect from the Immigrant Visa Application Process?

The process of applying for an employment-based visa is complicated, so you should consult with an immigration attorney who has successfully handled many applications specifically for engineers. In collaboration with your immigration attorney, the process is usually smooth, without delays. The general procedure for consular processing includes:

• Preparing and signing Form I-140
• Paying the correct amount of filing fees to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
• Reviewing the attorney’s letter supporting your visa eligibility
• Examining supporting materials and documentation
• Obtaining a labor certification if required from the S. Department of Labor

After the USCIS receives your Form I-140, it should begin processing your application. A notification verifying receipt of your petition ought to be sent to you. The USCIS evaluates your application and then either approves it or sends you a Request for Evidence.

Why Should I Work with an Immigration Attorney?

If you’re an engineer and filling out an application for your visa, it’s important to work with an immigration lawyer to guide you through the process and explain the ins and outs of the immigration filing procedure. Just a few advantages of hiring an attorney include:

• Ensuring you have accurate immigration paperwork
• Expediting the application process and obtaining work authorization quickly
• Outlining options for S. citizenship and providing details of the benefits and drawbacks
• Handling appeals and motions to reconsider or reopen 

To begin your immigration journey as an engineering professional, contact Kats immigration Law. You may even begin the process by setting up a virtual consultation if you’re not local to Manhattan or Brooklyn.