Getting an Employment-Based Green Card

EB-2 Visa for Persons of Exceptional Ability: Who Qualifies?

Learn about how to qualify for the EB-2 visa for workers with exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business and what it means to apply for a National Interest Waiver.

EB-1 Visa for Priority Workers: Who Qualifies?

Workers with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors and researchers, and transferring executives and managers all receive high priority for U.S. green cards.

EB-4 Visa for Religious Workers: Who Qualifies?

The fourth preference category of employment-based green cards is an unusual one.

Who Qualifies for a National Interest Waiver Green Card?

With the national interest waiver, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services decides that a person's work is so important that there’s no need to give first priority to a U.S. worker. It will thus “waive” or set aside the requirements of employer sponsorship and labor certification.

Nonimmigrant Work Visa as Stepping Stone to a Green Card

Learn dual intent if you're applying for a work visa in the U.S. with the intent to stay permanently.

Can I Change Employers While My Green Card Application Is Pending?

If you are a foreign employee and awaiting a USCIS decision on your green card application, now is a risky time to switch jobs.

How Long Is the Wait for an Immigrant's Priority Date to Become Current?

How would-be immigrants in the "preference categories" can track their progress toward visa availability using the State Department's Visa Bulletin.

What to Do If Employee's Green Card or Other I-9 Documents Look Fake or Suspicious

One of the toughest tightropes for an employer to walk is completing the Form I-9 for new hires. Strict regulations govern completion of the form.

Can I Change Employers While My Green Card Application Is Pending?

If you are a foreign employee and awaiting a USCIS decision on your green card application, now is a risky time to switch jobs.

If Worker Shows Social Security Card With an Expiration Date, Is It Valid for I-9 Purposes?

What looks to be an expiration date on a Social Security card might not be.

What Employers Should Do After E-Verify Issues a Tentative Nonconfirmation for an Employee

A TNC is not a final judgment on an employee -- but you will likely need to take further action.

Can Employers Accept a Receipt for a Replacement Document for I-9 Purposes?

My new employee is unable to finish the I-9 because her wallet was stolen. She has applied to get a new driver’s license, Social Security card, and passport. She brought me a document from the Department of State showing that she applied to get a new passport. Do I have to terminate her employment and rehire her once she gets the documents, or can she work while she waits for the documents?