In the immigrant visa application process, it’s important for employers to create clear, detailed, and specific job descriptions to prevent delays and avoid unexpected costs. Using vague terms or “soft skills” like “strong communication” or “enthusiastic collaborator” can lead to issues with the government, such as Requests for Evidence (RFEs) or audits.
While it takes time and effort to craft a solid job description, it plays a key role in your immigration strategy. A well-written job description not only reduces delays but also helps your company build clear job roles that can be referenced in future immigration cases. Here are some tips for creating the best job description for immigration purposes.
Specific Job Duties
Employers should outline 5-7 detailed job duties that describe the exact tasks and technical aspects of the position. This ensures clarity for the immigration officer, helping them decide if the job qualifies for the immigration benefit you’re applying for. To get an idea of typical duties and degree requirements for similar roles, refer to resources like the Occupational Outlook Handbook or O*NET Summary Report.
Education and Experience
Make sure to incorporate education and experience requirements into the job duties. The goal is for the ideal candidate to naturally emerge from the job description, without stating it outright. For example, if you’re hiring a Marketing Manager, list the marketing-related tasks, making it clear that a degree in marketing or a related field is necessary.
Focus on Hard Skills
Avoid including soft skills like “energized,” “intellectually curious,” or “imaginative” in job descriptions for employment-based visas. Instead, focus on hard skills when detailing job responsibilities. For instance, rather than saying the Marketing Manager will “work well with a team,” be more specific about tasks that require collaboration. You could say, “consulting with product development on product specs” or “working with developers, advertisers, or production teams to market products or services.”
By following these guidelines, employers can create job descriptions that help streamline the immigration process and ensure a smoother visa application experience.
