💼 The United States offers a structured pathway to permanent residency for foreign professionals, executives, skilled workers, and investors. These are called employment-based (EB) immigrant visas—and they lead directly to a green card.
Whether you’re a top researcher, an IT professional, or an investor creating jobs in the U.S., BorderlessLawyers provides strategic support from start to approval.
What Are EB Visas?
📌 EB visas are a set of green card categories based on employment, education, or investment. There are five preference levels:
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EB-1 – Priority Workers
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EB-2 – Professionals with Advanced Degrees or Exceptional Ability
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EB-3 – Skilled Workers and Professionals
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EB-4 – Special Immigrants
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EB-5 – Immigrant Investors
Each category has different requirements, quotas, and application steps.
Overview of EB Visa Categories
🥇 EB-1: Priority Workers
For:
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Outstanding professors or researchers
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Multinational executives or managers
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Individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics
✅ No labor certification required
✅ May self-petition in some subcategories
🎓 EB-2: Advanced Degree or Exceptional Ability
For:
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Professionals with a Master’s degree or higher
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Those with “exceptional ability” in sciences, business, or arts
📝 May qualify for National Interest Waiver (NIW) to bypass employer sponsorship.
🛠️ EB-3: Skilled Workers & Professionals
For:
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Professionals with a bachelor’s degree
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Skilled workers (2+ years of experience)
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Some unskilled workers (limited categories)
📋 Requires PERM Labor Certification and U.S. employer sponsorship.
🕊️ EB-4: Special Immigrants
For:
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Religious workers
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Certain broadcasters, translators, international employees, and others
📌 Less common but very case-specific.
💰 EB-5: Immigrant Investors
For:
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Foreign investors who invest $800,000–$1,050,000 in a U.S. commercial enterprise
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Must create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers
📈 Fast track available via Regional Centers or direct investment.
General Application Steps
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📝 File the Immigrant Petition
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I-140 for EB-1, EB-2, EB-3
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I-526/I-526E for EB-5
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✅ Labor Certification (PERM) if required
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📦 USCIS Processing
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Wait for priority date (depends on country and category)
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🌍 Choose Between:
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Adjustment of Status (if in U.S.)
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Consular Processing (if abroad)
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🟢 Receive Your Green Card
Processing Time & Priority Dates
🕒 Processing varies:
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EB-1 and NIW often faster
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EB-3 and EB-5 may take longer due to quotas
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Country of birth affects wait times (India, China often face backlogs)
🔎 Track your visa bulletin monthly to check your place in line.
How BorderlessLawyers Helps
🎯 Strategic Planning
📄 Petition Preparation & Employer Guidance
📊 EB-5 Investment Structuring
🛡️ Waiver Applications (if needed)
🌐 Global Support from Start to Finish
FAQs
Q: Do all EB visas require a job offer?
Not all. EB-1 extraordinary ability and EB-2 NIW applicants may self-petition.
Q: Can I bring my family?
Yes. Spouses and children under 21 can receive green cards as dependents.
Q: Can I switch jobs during the process?
It depends on your visa stage and category—consult our legal team for guidance.
Build Your U.S. Future Through Work or Investment
The U.S. welcomes professionals, experts, and innovators. If you’re ready to grow your career or invest in the American economy, BorderlessLawyers is your trusted partner in the immigration process.