💼 The U.S. offers a variety of immigration pathways for foreign professionals, skilled workers, and investors. Employment-based immigration allows individuals to live and work in the U.S. either temporarily or permanently.
This guide explains key employment-based visas, green card categories, and how BorderlessLawyers supports applicants and employers throughout the process.
Non-Immigrant Work Visas (Temporary)
H-1B Visa – Specialty Occupations
📊 For professionals in fields like IT, finance, engineering, and healthcare. Requires employer sponsorship.
L-1 Visa – Intra-Company Transfers
🏢 For employees of multinational companies transferring to a U.S. office.
O-1 Visa – Individuals with Extraordinary Ability
🌟 For highly accomplished individuals in science, arts, education, athletics, or business.
TN Visa – NAFTA/USMCA Professionals
🇲🇽🇨🇦 Available to Canadian and Mexican professionals under trade agreements.
E-2 Visa – Treaty Investor
💸 For investors from treaty countries investing in a U.S. business.
Immigrant Work Visas (Employment-Based Green Cards)
EB-1 – Priority Workers
🏅 For individuals with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors/researchers, or multinational executives.
EB-2 – Advanced Degree or Exceptional Ability
🎓 For professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability; may include National Interest Waiver (NIW).
EB-3 – Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers
🔧 For individuals with at least 2 years of experience, bachelor’s degrees, or unskilled labor.
EB-4 – Special Immigrants
🙏 For religious workers, broadcasters, and other special immigrant categories.
EB-5 – Immigrant Investor Program
🏗️ Requires an investment of $800,000+ and job creation in the U.S.
The Application Process
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📝 Employer Petition (Form I-129 or I-140)
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📊 Labor Certification (PERM) – For most EB-2 and EB-3 cases
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📬 Visa Processing or Adjustment of Status
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✅ USCIS or Consular Approval
How BorderlessLawyers Supports Employers & Applicants
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Drafting petitions and business plans
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Handling PERM and recruitment process
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Preparing responses to Requests for Evidence (RFEs)
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Advising on compliance and audits
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Supporting multinational and startup companies
FAQs
Q: What is the H-1B cap?
🎯 The annual cap is 65,000, plus 20,000 for master’s degree holders.
Q: Can I bring my spouse and children?
👨👩👧 Yes, most work visas allow dependents under H-4, L-2, or similar.
Q: How long does an employment-based green card take?
⏳ EB-1 may take under a year; EB-2/EB-3 may take 1–3+ years depending on country of origin.
Start Your Work-Based Immigration Journey
BorderlessLawyers helps professionals, companies, and investors build their futures in the U.S. Contact us today to book your consultation and get expert support for your employment-based immigration case.