Employment Based Immigration

Employment-Based Immigration & Work Visas | Immigrant-Lawyer.com
Learn about U.S. employment-based green cards and temporary work visas. Discover EB categories, PERM labor certification, and employer sponsorship.

The U.S. economy depends on skilled and diverse workers. Employment-based immigration allows foreign nationals to work temporarily or permanently in the United States. Whether you're an employer or employee, understanding the legal process is key to success.

The U.S. government allocates around 140,000 green cards each year to workers and their families under five preference categories:

• Individuals with extraordinary ability (arts, sciences, business, athletics)
   
• Outstanding professors and researchers
   
• Multinational executives or managers
   

• Jobs requiring an advanced degree or exceptional ability
   
• Often requires PERM labor certification
   

• Bachelor’s degree holders or skilled labor
   
• Includes unskilled workers (limited availability)
   

• Religious workers, certain juveniles, broadcasters, and others
   

• Investment of $800,000–$1,050,000 in U.S. enterprise creating jobs
   

Most EB-2 and EB-3 categories require employers to go through the PERM process:

• Test the labor market
   
• Prove no qualified U.S. workers are available
   
• Submit ETA Form 9089
   

H-1BSpecialty occupations

Bachelor’s degree required; annual cap applies

L-1Intracompany transferees

Must have worked abroad for related company

O-1Extraordinary ability

Arts, sciences, education, athletics

TNNAFTA professionals

For Canadian and Mexican citizens

E-2Treaty investors

Must invest and operate a U.S. business 

• Must submit petitions on behalf of employees
   
• May need to pay prevailing wage
   
• Must maintain compliance to avoid penalties
   

Employment-based immigration provides a path for global talent to contribute to the U.S. economy. Whether you’re hiring or being hired, we help ensure the process is smooth, compliant, and successful.