Labor Certification Information

Labor Certification Information

Immigration Attorney in Houston & Tomball, TX

A labor certification is a document issued by the US Department of Labor (US DOL), which basically indicates that there is a shortage of US employees in certain occupation. Before filing a labor certification application the US employer MUST try to recruit, subject to the supervision and regulations of the US DOL, American Workers for the position, which has been offered to the foreign national. Certification may be approved ONLY if the employer can show that the position cannot be filed by an American Citizen and the foreign national candidate is in fact qualified to fill the position. Effective March 28, 2005, the US DOL is processing Labor Certifications within 60 days.

After the labor certification application is approved, the alien must next wait for a Visa number and apply for a green card, since green cards under this category are subject to annual quota. The Visa Bulletin indicates the waiting period for a Visa number

The Process of Naturalization

At The Law Office of Jose Molina, PLLC, we take pride in helping people become U.S. citizens through the process of naturalization. Over the past 18 years we have been tireless in our devotion to customer service and offering reasonable fees so that individuals from all walks of life can have their opportunity to be granted citizenship. We are completely fluid in Spanish in order to better serve our clients and make their time with us easier and more comfortable.


Naturalization starts with a knowledgeable Houston / Tomball immigration lawyer meeting you, understanding your immigration status and ensuring that you are eligible to become a U.S. citizen. There are many ways that an individual can be naturalized but the most routine is when a permanent resident makes their application after possessing their green card for a period of 5 years. If that describes your situation, the additional requirements you must meet include:


  • You have to be able to read, write and speak English
  • Must have good moral character
  • Cannot have criminal arrests
  • Must be 18 years of age or older
  • Need to know and understand U.S. history and government
  • From the time you apply for naturalization until it is granted, you have to reside continuously in the U.S.
  • Aside from having your green card for 5 years, you must be present in the U.S. for a minimum of 30 months out of those 5 years
  • You cannot make another country your permanent home while you are a permanent resident of the U.S.
  • You must pledge your allegiance to the United States and accept the principles set forth in the U.S. Constitution.

Achieving Citizenship

Other avenues to achieve citizenship include if you are a green card holder married to a U.S. citizen, a green card holder in the military or seek citizenship through your parents. No matter the path that is best for you, the process can be long and complex. Through our firm's actions, we hope to make the procedure understandable while aggressively pursuing U.S. citizenship on your behalf. Although becoming a citizen can be very time consuming, the rights, privileges and benefits you will gain make the effort very worthwhile.