A Green Card, also known as a Permanent Resident Card, allows a foreign national to live and work permanently in the United States. One of the ways to obtain a Green Card is through employment-based immigration.
Employment-based immigration is available to individuals who have certain skills or qualifications that are in demand in the United States. There are several categories of employment-based immigration, each with its own eligibility requirements and application process. The five categories of employment-based immigration are:
- EB-1: Priority Workers - This category is reserved for individuals with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, outstanding professors or researchers, and certain multinational executives or managers.
- EB-2: Professionals with Advanced Degrees or Exceptional Ability - This category is for individuals who have advanced degrees or exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business.
- EB-3: Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers - This category is for individuals who have at least two years of work experience or a bachelor's degree in their field.
- EB-4: Special Immigrants - This category is for certain religious workers, employees of U.S. foreign service posts, and other specific categories of workers.
- EB-5: Immigrant Investors - This category is for individuals who invest a minimum amount of capital in a U.S. business and create a certain number of jobs for U.S. workers.
To apply for an employment-based Green Card, the employer must first obtain a labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The labor certification process requires the employer to demonstrate that there are no qualified U.S. workers available for the position and that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively affect the wages and working conditions of U.S. workers.
Once the labor certification is obtained, the employer can file a petition with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on behalf of the foreign worker. The USCIS will review the petition to ensure that the foreign worker meets the eligibility requirements for the particular employment-based category. If approved, the foreign worker can then apply for a Green Card.
The process of obtaining a Green Card through employment-based immigration can be complex and time-consuming. Our Law Firm will help you secure that Green Card and get you on the path of citizenship.