Employment-based (EB) Visa

Opposed to a temporary work authorization under the H visa program, where work authorization is typically only three years with a three-year renewal, and the employee does not acquire a green card, the employment-based (EB) visa program qualifies the applicant for green card sponsorship and permanent residency in America. However, it is often the case that an H-1B employee will ultimately end up with a green card by his or her employer sponsoring through the EB visa program.  There are five categories of EB visas, many of which require that an employer obtain a permanent labor certification (PERM) prior to sponsoring the employee:

​

E-1 visas are a first preference category and do not always require employer sponsorship.  They include individuals with extraordinary abilities, professors and researchers, and multinational management and executive personnel.  

 

E-2 visas are second preference, and include professionals holding advanced degrees and persons with exceptional abilities.  Unlike E-1 visas, E-2 visas generally require labor certifications and typically exceed 1/4 of all employment-based immigrant visas annually. 

 

E-3 visas are a third preference and also make up over a 1/4 of all employment-based visas annually. E-3's include skilled workers, professionals, and unskilled workers. 

 

E-4 visas are a fourth preference, and are reserved for specifically designated groups.  E-4 visas do not require labor certification.  If you feel you may qualify for an E-4 visa, please contact our office to discuss further you eligibility.  

​

E-5 visas are given to qualified Immigrant Investors seeking to establish new commercial enterprises which will provide job creation.

​

Please let us know if you or your company is looking to obtain or sponsor an employee for an employment-based visa.

​

​