EB-1, EB-2 & EB-3 Green Cards

Most people who immigrate to the United States based on employment fall under three categories, EB-1 Priority Workers, EB-2 Advanced Degree Professionals, or EB-3 Skilled Workers.  Contact us for more information.

There are three EB-1 categories:

• Individuals of Extraordinary Ability: these are individuals have “risen to the top” of their field and have received national and international acclaim.  There must be extensive documentation to demonstrate this.  Evidence of published materials, awards, and commercial successes must be provided in support of this visa application.  The advantage of this visa type is that individuals can self-petition (no employer is required) and no labor certification is necessary. 

• Outstanding Professors or Researchers: This category is for "outstanding" academicians - professors and researchers who can demonstrate a high level of achievement in their fields. Applicants must prove that they are "recognized internationally as outstanding in a specific academic area," have at least 3 years of teaching or research experience in their field of endeavor, and intend to teach or carry out research in that particular field in the United States. The applicant must have either an offer of employment from an accredited university for a tenure-track position or a permanent research position with an employer who has at least three full-time researchers and has documented accomplishments in the field.  No labor certification is required. 

• Multinational Executives or Managers: This visa category is designed to facilitate the international transfer of executive or managerial personnel in multinational corporations. The transfers can be between different branches of the same company, or between different companies with one of the following types of relationship:  (1) parent-subsidiary, (2) branch office, and (3) affiliate. The applicant must have worked in either a managerial or executive capacity for the related company abroad for at least a one-year period in the three years preceding the transfer and must be coming to the U.S. to function in an executive or managerial capacity.  No labor certification is required for this category. 

The EB2 green card is for "members of the professions holding advanced degrees," and "aliens of exceptional ability."  Generally, individuals who are members of the professions holding advanced degrees or their equivalent, or those who because of their exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business will substantially benefit the national economy, cultural, or educational interests or welfare of the United States are granted EB2 visas.  Both a job offer and labor certification are required, though a national interest waiver can be obtained in some cases.

The EB3 green card is available to "skilled workers, professionals, and other workers." Visa seekers must have a job offer by a U.S. employer, and the job must be in the occupation for which the applicant received training or education, or a closely related occupation. The employer must obtain a PERM labor certification (see PERM Labor Certification page) from the U.S. Department of Labor.  In general, individuals with at least two years of experience as skilled workers, professionals with a bachelor’s degree, and others who can perform work for which qualified workers are not available in the United States can obtain an EB3 visa.