Employment-Based Immigrant Visa Petitions
These visas are for qualified applicants based on their job skills. There are five preference categories (EB-1 to EB-5), each with its criteria, including those for outstanding professors and researchers, managers and executives of multinational companies, professionals with advanced degrees, skilled workers, and investors.
EB-1 to EB-4 and EB-5, based on skill, investment, and other factors.
For foreign nationals with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors and researchers, and certain multinational executives and managers.
No job offer required for extraordinary ability; others need a U.S. employer
EB-2 is for advanced degrees or exceptional ability; EB-3 for skilled workers and professionals.
Yes, for most categories except EB-1 and some EB-2 petitions.
Must demonstrate extraordinary ability in specific fields or be an outstanding professor, researcher, or multinational executive.
For professionals holding an advanced degree or persons of exceptional ability.
Yes, spouses and unmarried children under 21 may accompany or follow to join.
Family-Based Immigrant Visa Petitions
These visas allow U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) to bring family members to the United States. They are divided into immediate relative visas and family preference visas.
Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (IR), and family preference categories (F1 to F4).
Yes, a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holders) must sponsor you.
Immediate relatives have no wait for visa availability; preference categories depend on the visa bulletin.
Yes, in some cases, spouses and children may accompany or follow to join, depending on the category.
EB-5 Employment Creation Investors Petition
For investors who invest in a new commercial enterprise that creates U.S. jobs.
$1.8 million, or $900,000 in a targeted employment area.
At least 10 full-time jobs for qualifying U.S. workers within two years.
The business must be new or, in some cases, restructured/reexpanded.
Yes, spouses and unmarried children under 21 may accompany or follow to join.