An employment-based green card gives a foreign national permanent residence in the United States based on their work, skills, or investment. Most categories require a U.S. employer to sponsor the worker, but some allow qualified individuals to petition for themselves.
We guide professionals, researchers, executives, and investors, along with the companies that employ them, through each step of the employment-based green card process, from the first petition to the final green card.
Preference Categories
Employment-based green cards are divided into five preference categories, EB-1 through EB-5. Each category has its own eligibility rules and annual limits, so wait times depend on the category and the applicant's country of birth. The monthly Visa Bulletin shows current wait times.
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For people with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics; outstanding professors and researchers; and multinational executives and managers. People with extraordinary ability can petition for themselves without a job offer.
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For professionals with an advanced degree (or a bachelor's degree plus five years of progressive experience) and for people with exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business. Applicants who qualify for a National Interest Waiver can petition for themselves without a job offer.
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For professionals with a bachelor's degree, skilled workers with at least two years of training or experience, and other workers in jobs that require less training. EB-3 generally requires a job offer and an approved PERM labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor.
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For certain special immigrants, including religious workers, Special Immigrant Juveniles, certain broadcasters, and certain current and former employees of the U.S. government and international organizations.
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For investors who make a qualifying investment in a new commercial enterprise that creates at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers. The minimum investment is currently $1,050,000, or $800,000 in a targeted employment area, and it is scheduled to increase on January 1, 2027. See our EB-5 Investor Visas page for details.