An employment-based Green Card (EB visa categories) gives you permanent US residency based on your skills and job offer. The most common paths are EB-1 (extraordinary ability), EB-2 (advanced degree or NIW), and EB-3 (skilled workers).
- Job offer from a US employer (most categories, except EB-1A and EB-2 NIW)
- Labor Certification (PERM) from the Department of Labor (EB-2, EB-3)
- Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers)
- Priority Date: earlier is better — check the Visa Bulletin monthly
Choose your EB category
EB-1A: extraordinary ability (no job offer needed). EB-1B: outstanding professors/researchers. EB-1C: multinational managers. EB-2: advanced degree + PERM, or National Interest Waiver (no job offer). EB-3: skilled workers and professionals.
Your employer files PERM (if required)
For EB-2 and EB-3, your employer must complete PERM labor certification through the Department of Labor, proving no qualified US workers are available for your position. PERM takes 6–18 months.
File Form I-140 with USCIS
After PERM approval (or directly for EB-1), your employer (or you for EB-1A/EB-2 NIW) files Form I-140 with USCIS ($700 fee). This establishes your priority date. Processing: 4–12 months (faster with premium processing for $2,805 extra).
Wait for your priority date to become current
Check the monthly Visa Bulletin at travel.state.gov. When the Bulletin date equals or passes your priority date, you can proceed. Wait times vary enormously — EB-1 for India/China can exceed 10 years.
File I-485 (Adjustment of Status) or consular process
If in the USA on a valid visa, file Form I-485 to adjust status ($1,440). Includes biometrics, work authorization (EAD), and travel permit. Processing: 8–24 months. If outside the USA, go through consular processing at a US Embassy.
Frequently Asked Questions
After I-140 approval and I-485 pending for 180+ days, Section 204(j) portability allows you to change to a “same or similar” occupation. The I-140 remains valid. Consult an immigration attorney before changing jobs.
The EB-2 NIW allows people with advanced degrees or exceptional ability to self-petition for a Green Card without a job offer if they can demonstrate their work is in the national interest of the United States. Popular with researchers, doctors, and engineers.
Consider consulting an immigration attorney for complex EB cases. CitizenPath offers self-guided immigration forms from $149.