US Employment-Based (EB) Visas
Permanent green card routes through employer sponsorship
The United States provides five main categories of employment-based (EB) immigrant visas that lead to a green card; EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, EB-4, and EB-5. Each category has different requirements based on your skills, experience, investment, or special status. Spouses and unmarried children under 21 may also qualify as dependents.
EB 1: Priority Workers
Subcategories
Subcategories:
- EB‑1A: Individuals with extraordinary ability (arts, sciences, business, athletics) – self‑petitioning (no employer sponsorship required).
- EB‑1B: Outstanding professors and researchers.
- EB‑1C: Multinational executives/managers transferring to U.S. affiliate.
Steps & Timeline
- PERM Labor Certification: Not required.
- Form I‑140: Employer or self-file for EB-1A. Timeline: 6–9 months; Premium processing possible (~15 days).
- I‑485 / Consular Processing: File when priority date is current. Adjustment typically takes 8–14 months depending on USCIS location.
Compliance Essentials
- Provide comprehensive evidence packages (awards, publications, executive role responsibilities).
- Maintain records of employment and role continuity.
Help employees monitor the Visa Bulletin for priority
EB-2: Advanced Degree or Exceptional Ability
With or without a labor certification; National Interest Waiver (NIW) available
Steps
- PERM Labor Certification (unless filing NIW): ~10–18 months.
- Form I‑140: Employer or self-petition for NIW; processing in 6–9 months (Premium ~15 days).
- I‑485 / Consular Processing: When
Compliance
- Secure PERM documentation and recruitment advertising.
- For NIW, assemble case proving national benefit.
- Timely filing when visa numbers become current.
EB-3 Skilled, Professional & Other Workers
For bachelor’s holders, skilled workers, and unskilled labor
Process
- PERM Labor Certification: ~10–18 months.
- Form I‑140: ~6–9 months; Premium processing available.
- I‑485 / Consular Processing: When dates are current; expect 8–14 months.
EB-4: Special Immigrants
Religious workers, broadcasters, others
Steps
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- Form I‑360: Filed by employer or organization; processing ~6–9 months.
- I‑485 / Consular: When current
Compliance
- Provide documentation of religious organization’s tax‑exempt status.
- Maintain records of the beneficiary’s role and duties, with evidence of continuous religious activity.
EB-5: Immigrant Investors
Green card through substantial investment
Steps
- Form I‑526: Document investment ($800k–$1M), job creation; processing 15–24 months.
- Conditional Green Card: Via I‑485 or consular processing.
- Remove Conditions: File I‑829 within 90 days of the 2nd anniversary; filing takes 12–18 months
Compliance
- Maintain clear financial records.
- Track job creation alignment with USCIS requirements.
- Provide annual reporting as required for conditional permanent residency.