In the United States, there are a number of ways of a foreign national obtaining permanent residency or green card, and one of the most demanded options is employment-based (EB) green card. This path is the best route to individuals with unique talents and skills, researchers, executives, and other employees who are interested to establish themselves permanently in the U.S.
What Is an Employment-Based Green Card?
Employment based green card refers to a type of permanent US residency given to one on the basis of his job skills, qualifications and employment attractiveness to an employer in the US. Nothing is allowed to stop the non-citizens to live and work in the U.S. until the end of time with these green cards.
There are five main preference categories under this type of green card, each designed for different types of workers.
EB-1: Priority Workers
This category is for individuals with exceptional skills, including:
1. Persons with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics (EB-1A)
2. Outstanding professors and researchers (EB-1B)
3. Certain executives and managers of multinational companies (EB-1C)
This category often allows self-petitioning and does not always require a labor certification.
EB-2: Advanced Degree Holders and Exceptional Ability
EB-2 is designed for professionals with:
1. An advanced degree (master’s or higher), or
2. Exceptional ability in sciences, arts, or business
Other applicants under this group are allowed to submit a National Interest Waiver (NIW) that allows them to waive the need to have a job offer and labor certification when their activities have a major impact on the U.S.
EB-3: Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers
This category includes:
1. Skilled workers (with at least two years of training or experience)
2. Professionals (with a U.S. bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent)
3. Unskilled workers (for jobs requiring less than two years of training)
Labor certification and a permanent job offer are usually required.
EB-4: Special Immigrants
EB-4 is for a wide range of individuals, including:
1. Religious workers
2. Certain U.S. government employees abroad
3. Special juvenile immigrants
4. Afghan and Iraqi interpreters or translators
EB-5: Immigrant Investors
This category is for investors who:
1. Invest $800,000 to $1.05 million in a U.S. business
2. Create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers
Entrepreneurs and persons of high net-worth usually use this route as a method of relocating to the U.S.
Steps to Apply for an Employment-Based Green Card
1. Labor Certification (PERM) – Required for most EB-2 and EB-3 applicants
2. I-140 Petition – Filed by the U.S. employer or by self (in some EB-1 and NIW cases)
3. Priority Date and Visa Bulletin – Wait for your priority date to be current
4. I-485 Adjustment of Status (if in the U.S.) or Consular Processing (if abroad)
5. Green Card Approval
Need Help Planning Your Green Card Strategy?
At HELPINGREENCARD, we help Indian professionals in tech, engineering, AI, cybersecurity, and other IT fields understand their options, prepare strong petitions, and explore fast-track alternatives.
Contact us today:
+91-830-5233-223
helpingreencard@gmail.com
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