Employment-Based Immigrant Visas U.S.
What are EB visas, change of immigration status to immigration, types of visas, and much more
- Natalia Kolyada Nelson
- Updated: May 20, 2024
Moving to America starts with preparing a package of documents and carrying out preliminary legal actions necessary to obtain a particular immigration visa.
For the successful visa opening of any category, the professional preparation of a package of documents is of great importance. In the future, receipt of an employment-based green card can depend on the success of your business and work in the USA.
What is an EB U.S. Immigrant Visa?
EB visas, often referred to as “employment-based visas,” are granted to foreign nationals who meet strict eligibility criteria.
These visa holders eventually attain U.S. permanent residency (green card) and can pursue U.S. citizenship.
Changing Nonimmigrant Status To Employment-Based Immigration Status
Suppose you are in the United States with a valid nonimmigrant status (for example, work or student status). In that case, your status can be changed to EB immigration status without leaving the United States.
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What are the EB Visa Types?
The EB visa categories, also known as preferences, divide U.S. immigrant visas into five subcategories:
- EB-1;
- EB-2;
- EB-3;
- EB-4;
- EB-5.
Three of these EB visa types offer the opportunity to obtain a visa through U.S. employers, though there are strict legal limits on the number of individuals eligible to immigrate each year. The waiting period for immigration approval can vary.
EB-1 Visa
The visa EB-1 is designed for individuals with outstanding international achievements, including those with special merits and abilities in fields like science, education, business, and sports, as well as outstanding professors, scientific researchers, and top managers of multinational corporations.
EB-2 Visa
Visas in the EB-2 category are for highly skilled workers and individuals with extraordinary abilities. This includes professionals with advanced degrees, foreign citizens with remarkable abilities in science, art, or business, and individuals whose work is of “national interest to the United States.”
This category covers individuals with exceptional abilities, a certain education level, and significant achievements in any field.
EB-3 Visa
Visas EB-3 are intended for professional workers, such as foreigners with higher education, individuals capable of performing professional work that cannot be filled by similarly qualified U.S. citizens, and those who can perform unskilled labor that US citizens cannot.
EB-4 Visa
The EB-4 visa applies to special categories of immigrants, including religious workers, former U.S. government employees abroad, and immigrants relocating to the United States for special reasons.
EB-5 Visa
The EB-4 visa applies to special categories of immigrants, including religious workers, former U.S. government employees abroad, and immigrants relocating to the United States for special reasons.
Assistance of an Immigration Lawyer in Obtaining an EB Visa
If you require assistance obtaining an employment-based immigrant visa, you can schedule an online or in-person consultation with immigration lawyer Natalia Kolyada Nelson. Get answers to your questions and expert guidance in securing your work visa.
You can conveniently book a consultation on our website, choosing between online or in-person sessions at our Boston office.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Immigrant EB Visas
The processing time for an U.S. EB visa varies based on its category. For instance, the average processing time for EB-2 visas is approximately 2-3 years.
The primary difference in EB visa requirements lies in education.
Family members (spouses and unmarried children under 21) of foreign individuals granted an EB visa can also receive visas as accompanying family members, allowing them to immigrate to the United States.
Natalia Kolyada Nelson
Experienced Immigration Attorney in Boston. Natalia represents clients in all aspects of immigration law, including family-based immigration, employment-based immigration, asylum, and deportation defense.
Need help from the U.S. immigration attorney?
Natalia Kolyada Nelson is an experienced immigration attorney in Boston who represents clients in all aspects of U.S. immigration law.
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