Employment-based (EB) green cards provide a pathway to permanent residency for foreign workers sponsored by U.S. employers.
11 steps across 5 sections
1. EB-1: Priority Workers
- EB-1A Extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics (self-petition allowed).
- EB-1B Outstanding professors and researchers with at least 3 years of experience.
- EB-1C Multinational managers or executives transferred to a U.S. affiliate.
2. EB-2: Advanced Degree Professionals
- Professionals holding a master's degree or higher (or bachelor's plus 5 years progressive experience).
- Persons of exceptional ability in sciences, arts, or business.
- EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver): Self-petition without employer sponsorship if work serves the national interest.
3. EB-3: Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers
- Skilled workers with at least 2 years of training or experience.
- Professionals with a U.S. bachelor's degree.
- Other (unskilled) workers for positions requiring less than 2 years of training.
4. EB-4: Special Immigrants
- Religious workers, certain international organization employees, Iraqi/Afghan translators, and other special categories.
5. EB-5: Immigrant Investors
- Investment of $1,050,000 (or $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area) creating at least 10 full-time jobs.
Common Mistakes
- Starting PERM too late
- Job description mismatches
- Employer financial inability
- Missing the priority date window
- Not using premium processing for I-140
Pro Tips
- File I-140 with premium processing
- Track the Visa Bulletin monthly
- Consider EB-1A or EB-2 NIW
- Maintain valid nonimmigrant status
- File I-485 with I-765 (EAD) and I-131 (Advance Parole)