Permanent Employment Opportunities in the United States

Q: EB-1 Visa

Designed for individuals with extraordinary abilities in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics; outstanding professors and researchers; and multinational executives. This category is ideal for those who have achieved a high level of recognition in their field. Main Benefit: EB-1 visas do not require labor certification and have faster processing times compared to other categories.

Q: EB-3 Visa

Available to skilled workers, professionals with bachelor’s degrees, and unskilled workers performing essential jobs. This category is broader but may have longer wait times due to high demand. Main Benefit: Provides a path to permanent residency for a larger range of workers, even those without exceptional skills or advanced degrees.

Q: EB-4 Visa

For special immigrants, such as religious workers, employees of international organizations, and other specific groups defined by law. Main Benefit: Offers a specialized path for individuals working in humanitarian or religious roles, facilitating their entry into the country.

Q: EB-5 Visa

For investors who invest a significant amount of money in a US business and create at least 10 jobs for US workers. Main Benefit: Provides a direct path to permanent residency for investors and their immediate families, promoting economic growth in the United States.

Employment-based immigrant visas allow foreign workers to obtain permanent residency through employment. Also known as EB visas (Employment-Based), they offer different categories depending on skills, experience, and type of job.

Here’s everything you need to know about employment-based immigrant visas, their benefits, and the specific requirements for each category.

WORK AND LIVE IN THE UNITED STATES

What Are Employment-Based Immigrant Visas?

Employment-based immigrant visas, also known as EB visas, allow foreign workers to permanently settle in the United States through a qualified job offer.

There are five main categories of employment-based immigrant visas: EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, EB-4, and EB-5. These visas are excellent opportunities for those who wish to live and work long-term in the United States.

EB VISA CATEGORIES AND THEIR BENEFITS

Which Employment-Based Immigrant Visa Is Right for You?

Employment-based visas are divided into five categories, each targeting a specific type of worker or situation:

EB-1 Visa

Designed for individuals with extraordinary abilities in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics; outstanding professors and researchers; and multinational executives.

This category is ideal for those who have achieved a high level of recognition in their field.

Main Benefit: EB-1 visas do not require labor certification and have faster processing times compared to other categories.

EB-2 Visa

For professionals with advanced degrees or individuals with exceptional abilities in their field, such as scientists, doctors, or engineers.

This visa can also be sought by those whose entry would significantly benefit the US through a National Interest Waiver.

Main Benefit: The National Interest Waiver allows certain applicants to bypass the job offer requirement.

EB-3 Visa

Available to skilled workers, professionals with bachelor’s degrees, and unskilled workers performing essential jobs. This category is broader but may have longer wait times due to high demand.

Main Benefit: Provides a path to permanent residency for a larger range of workers, even those without exceptional skills or advanced degrees.

EB-4 Visa

For special immigrants, such as religious workers, employees of international organizations, and other specific groups defined by law.

Main Benefit: Offers a specialized path for individuals working in humanitarian or religious roles, facilitating their entry into the country.

EB-5 Visa

For investors who invest a significant amount of money in a US business and create at least 10 jobs for US workers.

Main Benefit: Provides a direct path to permanent residency for investors and their immediate families, promoting economic growth in the United States.

REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY FOR AN IMMIGRANT VISA

Meet the Requirements and Obtain Permanent Residency

Labor Certification

For most EB visas, the employer must obtain a labor certification from the Department of Labor.

This ensures there are no available US workers to fill the position and that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively affect wages and working conditions.

Employment Petition

The employer must file a petition with USCIS, detailing the job offer and the worker’s qualifications. For EB-5 visas, investors must demonstrate they meet investment and job creation requirements.

Eligibility Requirements

Each visa category has specific eligibility criteria, such as extraordinary abilities, advanced degrees, or significant investment. Ensure you meet all requirements before applying.

Immigration Counsel

Preparing for employment-based visas requires thorough documentation to meet eligibility criteria. Rely on an experienced attorney and ensure all evidence is well-documented before starting the process.