United States · Permanent Residency

Employment-based Green Card overview

Comprehensive overview of the five employment-based preference categories (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, EB-4, EB-5) that allow foreign nationals to obtain lawful permanent residence in the United States.

Who it suits

Who this pathway suits

Professionals, researchers, skilled workers, and investors seeking permanent residence.

Eligibility

Eligibility at a glance

  • Qualify under an EB preference category (EB-1 extraordinary talent/executives, EB-2 advanced degrees/NIW, EB-3 skilled workers/professionals, EB-4 special immigrants, EB-5 investors)
  • Approved immigrant petition (Form I-140, I-360, or I-526E)
  • Current priority date on the Department of State Visa Bulletin
  • Admissibility to the United States (health, security, criminal history)
Process

How the process works

  1. Labor Certification (PERM) with Department of Labor (waived for EB-1, EB-2 NIW, EB-5)
  2. Immigrant petition filed with USCIS
  3. Monitor monthly Visa Bulletin for priority date progression
  4. Apply for Green Card via Adjustment of Status (Form I-485 in US) or Consular Processing (DS-260 abroad)
Documents

Documents you will typically need

  • I-140 approval notice, birth certificate, marriage certificate, medical examination (Form I-693), passport
Good to know

What to keep in mind

Priority dates determine when an immigrant visa number is available for your country of birth.

Official source: USCIS — Permanent Workers. Government authorities make all final decisions; no outcome is guaranteed.

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