This guide will focus on the key points about employment-based visas (EB Visas) in the United States, the EB1, EB2, EB3, EB4, and EB5 visa.
If you have a temporary job in the U.S and your employer is willing to petition you for permanent residence, you may be eligible to get a U.S Green Card.
Employment-based petitions/visas are broken down into five categories: EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, EB-4, and EB-5. Each category is made up of sub-categories that describe the kinds of occupations that qualify for the specific visa.
You may be interested in going to the U.S to work, but into a more permanent role. In this case, you wouldn’t apply for the typical temporary visa like the H1B. You’d apply for an employment based visa, which is a straight path to a U.S green card.
Approximately 140,000 immigrant visas are available each year to newcomers who seek to immigrate based on their job skills. If you have the right combination of skills, education, and work experience, plus you are eligible, you may be able to live permanently in the United States.
In these cases, an EB visa, which is also known as an employment based visa, may be the perfect route for you.
Types of Employment-Based Visas & How to Apply EB Visas
- EB-1 Visa
Starting with the EB-1 visa, which was designed for those who have an extraordinary ability, are an outstanding professor or researcher, or are a multinational executive or manager with the correct employment recognition. You could apply for the EB-1 visa through a Form I-140.
- EB-2 Visa
EB-2 visa is designed for those who hold an advanced degree or exceptional ability. This is another visa that you can apply for through a Form I-140.
- EB-3 Visa
Those eligible for the EB-3 visa are classified as a skilled worker, professional, or other worker depending upon your education skills and work experience, which is also applied through the Form I-140.
- EB-4 Visa
EB-4 visa is geared towards individuals who are considered special immigrants, which usually include religious workers, some physicians, and others that hold specialized occupations.
Unlike the other EB visas already discussed, to apply for an EB-4 visa, you must submit a Form I-360.
- EB-5 Visa
EB-5 visa was created by Congress to stimulate the U.S economy through job creation and capital investment by foreign investors, which can be applied for through a Form I-924.
Receiving an employment based green card is a permanent solution for those looking to move to the U.S.
All of the EB visas take about 6 to 8 months to process. Applying and submitting your forms correctly can be a complex process, so is highly recommend seeking immigration help.
DISCLAIMER: This article/post and content is designed for general information only and is NOT legal advice. I am not a licensed attorney and so the information presented in this post should not be construed to be formal legal advice. If you need legal advice, you may contact a licensed attorney.