The United States has long been a land of opportunities, attracting people from all over the world who seek a chance to live and work in the country. For those looking to pursue their dreams in the U.S. job market, obtaining an immigrant visa is often the first step.
If you have the necessary education or skills, you may be eligible for a permanent worker visa to immigrate with your family to the U.S.
There are five categories of immigrant visas for permanent workers. The requirements to qualify vary depending on the type of visa, here is the five categories of visas for permanent workers.
1. The EB-1 visa
This type of visa is reserved for individuals with extraordinary abilities in fields such as arts, sciences, education, business, or athletics. Eligible candidates must have a demonstrated track record of sustained acclaim and recognition in their respective fields. Additionally, outstanding professors and researchers, as well as multinational executives and managers, are also eligible for this visa category. The EB-1 visa holds the distinction of not requiring a labor certification, streamlining the application process for highly accomplished individuals.
EB-2: Professionals with Advanced Degrees or Exceptional Abilities
The EB-2 visa caters to professionals holding advanced degrees or possessing exceptional abilities in their respective fields. Eligible candidates should have a Master’s degree or higher, or a Bachelor’s degree with five years of progressive work experience in their area of expertise. Exceptional abilities are evidenced through significant achievements and recognition in fields such as the arts, sciences, business, or athletics. Unlike the EB-1 visa, this category may require a labor certification to demonstrate that the employment of the foreign worker will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of similarly employed U.S. workers.
EB-3: Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Unskilled Workers
The EB-3 visa encompasses a broader range of candidates, including skilled workers, professionals, and unskilled workers. Skilled workers must possess at least two years of work experience or training, while professionals must hold a Bachelor’s degree or its foreign equivalent. Additionally, the EB-3 visa is open to unskilled workers willing to fill positions that require less than two years of training or experience. To be eligible, the employer must first obtain a labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor, establishing that there are no qualified U.S. workers available for the job.
EB-4: Special Immigrants
The EB-4 visa is designed for special immigrants who belong to specific categories. These include religious workers, certain U.S. government employees, broadcasters, international organization employees, and retired officers or employees of certain international organizations. This category also includes foreign nationals who served honorably for a designated period in the U.S. Armed Forces.
EB-5: Immigrant Investors
The EB-5 visa offers a unique opportunity for immigrant investors seeking to make substantial capital investments in new commercial enterprises that create jobs for U.S. workers. To qualify, the investor must invest either $1.8 million in a new commercial enterprise or $900,000 in a targeted employment area, which is a rural area or an area with high unemployment. Upon successful investment and job creation, the investor and their immediate family members can obtain permanent residency in the U.S.
To begin your application process for any of these immigrant visas, visit the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website and follow the instructions provided. The road to becoming a permanent worker in the United States may be challenging, but with determination and the right resources, you can embark on an exciting journey towards a brighter future.
Each category is intended for different professions or skills.
Some categories require you to have a job offer from a U.S. employer (sponsor) before submitting your visa application.