Employment-Based Visas
Five distinct paths to permanent residency through employment — each with its own requirements, timeline, and eligibility bar.
Five categories, five different bars to clear
Employment-based immigrant visas fall into five broad categories, each requiring different documentation and, in some cases, a prior labor certification. Depending on the case, an applicant might apply from abroad and enter the U.S. directly as a permanent resident, or they might already be in the country on a temporary visa and adjust their status to permanent residency once their petition is approved.
Reserved for individuals with extraordinary ability, along with outstanding professors and researchers.
For professionals holding advanced degrees, or those who can demonstrate exceptional ability in the arts, sciences, or business.
Covers skilled workers and other professionals filling roles that don't fit the EB-1 or EB-2 categories.
Set aside specifically for religious workers seeking to live and work in the U.S.
For investors making a qualifying investment that creates U.S. jobs.
SMA has extensive experience across all five categories, including the labor certification process where it's required. That includes helping clients already in the U.S. on H-1, L-1, O-1, and similar visas transition into employment-based permanent residency.
Worth knowing: Not every EB category requires the same steps. Processing times vary considerably by category, and some — but not all — require a labor certification to be filed before the petition itself can move forward.
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Talk through which EB category fits your situation with the SMA team.
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