EB visas allow foreign nationals to obtain the level of US Permanent Residency (otherwise known as a Green Card) in the U.S. This means that you are no longer tied to that employer or need to continue to contribute to the economy. The EB categories differentiate based on your level of education, international reputation and awarded achievements, your professional career position or the financial investment you made. There are five main preference categories, each with distinct eligibility criteria and annual numerical limits.
EB-1
For priority workers, including individuals with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors or researchers, and multinational executives or managers. This category often does not require a job offer or to go through national recruitment test called Labor certification and has shorter wait times.
EB-2
For professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability in sciences, arts, or business. A subcategory, the National Interest Waiver (NIW), allows applicants to self-petition without employer sponsorship if their work benefits the U.S. national interest.
EB-3
For skilled workers, professionals with bachelor’s degrees, and other workers in unskilled labor positions. This category requires a PERM labor certification and has longer backlogs for certain countries.
EB-4
For special immigrants, such as religious workers, U.S. government employees abroad, and juveniles needing protection (SIJ).
EB-5
For immigrant investors who invest $800,000–$1,050,000 in a U.S. business that creates at least 10 full-time jobs. Regional Center and rural/high-unemployment area options may offer priority processing.
Applicants generally go through a multi-step process: petition approval (Form I-140), visa number availability, and consular processing or adjustment of status. Priority dates and processing times vary significantly by category and country of chargeability. The Visa Bulletin, published monthly by the U.S. Department of State, governs visa availability.
Employment-based immigration remains a key pathway for high-skilled workers and investors to obtain U.S. permanent residence.