First preference EB-1 category:  You may be eligible for an employment-based, first-preference visa if you have an extraordinary ability, are an outstanding professor or researcher, or are a multinational executive or manager. 

 

You must be able to demonstrate extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics through sustained national or international acclaim. Your achievements must be recognized in your field through extensive documentation. No offer of employment is required.

 

For a professor or researcher, you must demonstrate international recognition for your outstanding achievements in a particular academic field. You must have at least 3 years experience in teaching or research in that academic area. You must be entering the United States in order to pursue tenure or tenure track teaching or comparable research position at a university or other institution of higher education.

 

 

Second Preference EB-2 Category: You may be eligible for an employment-based, second preference visa if you are a member of the professions holding an advanced degree or its equivalent, or a foreign national who has exceptional ability. 

 

If you are applying for a green card based on your advanced degree, you must have a job offer and the employee must file on your behalf. The job you apply for must require an advanced degree and you must possess such a degree or its equivalence (a baccalaureate degree plus 5 years progressive work experience in the field).

 

You may qualify for a green card based on your exceptional ability and a job offer. You must be able to show exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business. Exceptional ability means a "degree of expertise significantly above that ordinarily encountered in the sciences, arts, or business.”

 

There is a specific group of professionals that will qualify for a green card because their profession is of great national interest. These individuals will not need an employer to petition on their behalf because they can self petition.

 

 

Third Preference EB-3 Category:  You may be eligible for this immigrant visa preference category if you are a skilled worker, professional, or other worker. “Skilled workers” are persons whose job requires a minimum of 2 years training or work experience, not of a temporary or seasonal nature. “Professionals” are persons whose job requires at least a U.S. baccalaureate degree or a foreign equivalent and are a member of the profession. The “other workers” subcategory is for persons performing unskilled labor requiring less than 2 years training or experience, not of a temporary or seasonal nature.

 

 

Fourth Preference EB-4 Category: The following categories may qualify for a green card based on your professional background: 

• Religious Workers.

• Broadcasters.

• Iraqi/Afghan Translators.

• Iraqis Who Have Assisted the United States.

• International Organization Employees.

• Physicians.

• Armed Forces Members.

• Panama Canal Zone Employees.

• Retired NATO-6 employees.

• Spouses and Children of Deceased NATO-6 employees.