Employment-based immigration allows individuals to move to the United States for work purposes. There are multiple types of employment-based visas, commonly referred to as EB visas, that provide a path to permanent residency.

Eligibility Criteria

- Job offer from a U.S.-based employer.

- Specific skill sets, education, or professional experience may be required depending on the visa category (e.g., EB-1, EB-2, EB-3).

- Labor Certification may be required for some categories.

Process

1. U.S. employer files a Labor Certification (if required) and a petition with USCIS.

2. After petition approval, the applicant applies for an immigrant visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy.

3. The applicant attends an interview.

4. If approved, the applicant receives a visa to enter the U.S. and eventually receives a green card.

Points to Consider

- The employer must prove that they cannot find a qualified U.S. worker for the job (for some categories).

- There may be annual caps on certain visa categories.

- Processing times and costs can vary.

Recommended Reading

USCIS Employment-Based Visas