Employment-Based Green Card Options
A U.S. employer wants to hire a foreign national to fill a permanent position. That's a good start to finding out whether it's possible to get a green card for that worker . . . but there is much more to know. Both the employer and the worker will need to fit many requirements within one of the several categories of immigrant visa (green card) possibilities for foreign workers. Although the category is limited, some interesting exceptions can be found -- such as situations in which the foreign national does not even need a U.S. employer to get an employment-based green card.
Categories of Employment-Based Green Cards
Categories of Employment-Based Green Cards
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EB-1 Visa for Priority Workers: Who Qualifies?
Possibilities to obtain a green card as or for a first-preference worker with extraordinary ability, outstanding university professor or researcher, or executive or managers of a multinational company.
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When a Scientist Can Petition for a Green Card Based On Talent, With No Job Offer
If you have extraordinary ability in the sciences, you may qualify for an EB-1 visa even without an employer.
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EB-2 Visa for Advanced Degree Professionals: Who Qualifies?
One of the ways in which professional foreign workers get employment-based green cards in the U.S. is in category “EB-2,” for those with advanced degrees.
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EB-2 Visa for Persons of Exceptional Ability: Who Qualifies?
Understanding the second preference category for workers with exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business.
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EB-3 Visa for Professional, Skilled, and Unskilled Workers
This green card category has less stringent educational and other requirements -- but the resulting high demand leads to long waits.
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EB-4 Visa for Special Immigrants: Who Qualifies?
Overview of the various eligibility subcategories available within the "Special Immigrant Visa" category.
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EB-4 Visa for Religious Workers: Who Qualifies?
Ministers and religious workers who have received job offers from religious organizations in the U.S. have the opportunity to apply for permanent residence.
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EB-5 Investor Visa: Who Qualifies?
Got $1 million to invest? You may qualify for a U.S. green card.
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What's the Lowest Possible Dollar Amount to Get an Investment-Based Green Card (EB-5)?
Not every EB-5 applicant needs to invest the full $1 million that's usually required in this category.
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How Artists With Extraordinary Ability Can Self-Petition for a U.S. Green Card (With No Job Offer)
An artist of high achievement might be able to “self-petition” based on talent and achievement as a “Priority Worker” under the “extraordinary ability” immigrant visa category (“EB-1”).
Questions From Immigrant Workers
Questions From Immigrant Workers
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How Soon After I Start Work With My Green Card Sponsor Can I Switch Jobs?
Switching jobs can be done, so long as that wasn't your plan from the beginning.
Questions About Hiring Immigrant Labor
Questions About Hiring Immigrant Labor
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Can I Help My Nanny Get a Visa or Green Card?
You may be able to sponsor your nanny, but perhaps only for a temporary visa -- and if the nanny is in the U.S. unlawfully, perhaps not at all.
Additional Resources
Additional Resources
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This comprehensive guide contains in-depth information on the process of applying for various labor-based green cards.