5 Employment-Based Immigrant Visa Preference Categories For The American Green Card

February 18, 2023 Claudia Jeff Immigration Guide 0

If you’re interested in obtaining an American Green Card, you may be wondering what your options are. 5 Employment-Based Immigrant Visa Preference Categories For The American Green Card The United States has a variety of visa categories, but employment-based immigrant visas are one of the most common ways to obtain permanent residency. In this article, we’ll explore the 5 employment-based immigrant visa preference categories for the American Green Card, including their eligibility criteria and application process.United States, and one way to achieve that is through an employment-based immigrant visa. This type of visa provides foreign nationals with the opportunity to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis. In this article, we will discuss the different employment-based immigrant visa preference categories for the American Green Card.

  • EB-1 Visa Category The EB-1 visa category is reserved for priority workers, including individuals with extraordinary ability in science, art, education, business, or athletics, outstanding professors or researchers, and multinational executives and managers. To be eligible for an EB-1 visa, you must demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim and recognition for your achievements in your field of expertise. This visa category has a very high priority and is available to applicants from all countries.
  • EB-2 Visa Category The EB-2 visa category is for professionals with advanced degrees or individuals with exceptional ability in science, art, or business. To be eligible for an EB-2 visa, you must have a degree above a bachelor’s level or at least five years of experience in your field of expertise. This visa category is also available to individuals seeking a National Interest Waiver, which allows them to bypass the job offer and labor certification requirements.
  •  EB-3 Visa Category The EB-3 visa category is for skilled workers, professionals with a bachelor’s degree, and other workers. To be eligible for an EB-3 visa, you must have a job offer from a U.S. employer, and the employer must obtain a labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor. This visa category has a lower priority than the EB-1 and EB-2 categories, and applicants may face a longer waiting time.
  • EB-4 Visa Category The EB-4 visa category is for special immigrants, including religious workers, broadcasters, Iraqi and Afghan translators, and employees of U.S. foreign service posts. To be eligible for an EB-4 visa, you must meet the specific requirements for each category of special immigrant. This visa category has a lower priority than the EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 categories.
  • EB-5 Visa Category The EB-5 visa category is for immigrant investors who are willing to invest a minimum of $900,000 in a new commercial enterprise in the United States. To be eligible for an EB-5 visa, you must demonstrate that your investment will create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers. This visa category has a high priority, but there is an annual limit of 10,000 visas.
  •  The Fourth Preference Category (EB-4) The fourth preference category, also known as EB-4, is for special immigrants, including religious workers, broadcasters, employees of international organizations, and certain healthcare professionals. Religious workers must have been a member of a recognized denomination for at least two years prior to applying for the visa. Broadcasters must have at least five years of experience in their field and be coming to work for a U.S. employer. Employees of international organizations, such as the United Nations, must have worked for the organization for at least 15 years, and certain healthcare professionals must have been practicing in their field for at least five years.
  • The Fifth Preference Category (EB-5) The fifth preference category, also known as EB-5, is for immigrant investors who are willing to invest a significant amount of money in the United States. To qualify for an EB-5 visa, an individual must invest a minimum of $1.8 million in a new commercial enterprise in the United States, or $900,000 if the investment is made in a targeted employment area. The investment must create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.

Table of Contents

FAQs:

  1. What is the processing time for an employment-based immigrant visa? The processing time for an employment-based immigrant visa can vary depending on several factors, including the type of visa and the workload of the processing center. Generally, it can take anywhere from several months to several years to receive an employment-based immigrant visa.
  2. Can an employer sponsor an employee for an employment-based immigrant visa? Yes, an employer can sponsor an employee for an employment-based immigrant visa. However, the employer must first obtain a labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor and meet other requirements.
  3. Can an individual apply for an employment-based immigrant visa without a job offer? No, an individual cannot apply for an employment-based immigrant visa without a job offer. The individual must have a job offer from a U.S. employer and meet other requirements.
  4. How long can an individual stay in the United States on an employment-based immigrant visa? An individual can stay in the United States on an employment-based immigrant visa indefinitely, as long as they maintain their lawful permanent resident status.
  5. Can an individual apply for an employment-based immigrant visa while in the United States on a temporary visa? Yes, an individual can apply for an employment-based immigrant visa while in the United States on a temporary visa. However, they must meet certain requirements and go through the appropriate application process.

Conclusion

Obtaining an employment-based immigrant visa can be a long and complicated process, but it can be a great opportunity for individuals looking to live and work in the United States permanently. The five preference categories for employment-based immigrant visas each have their own specific requirements, and it is important for individuals and employers to understand these requirements before beginning the application process. With proper planning and preparation, individuals can successfully navigate the employment-based immigrant visa process and achieve their goal of living and working in the United States.