An overview of permanent residency visas.
Immigrant Visa Types
Main Article: Immigration
| Visa Type |
Description |
Work Authorized? |
Length of Stay in the U.S. |
Type of Income Allowed |
| EB-1 |
Permanent residency, exceptional services |
Yes |
Permanent |
n/a |
| EB-2 |
Permanent residency with company sponsorship, exceptional services |
Yes |
Permanent |
n/a |
EB-1 Overview
Main Article: EB-1 Visa
An EB-1 visa is intended for "priority workers" and grants the worker employment-based permanent residency. 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.
A priority worker can be defined by one of the following:
- Someone with extraordinary abilities in the arts, education, business, or athletics
- Outstanding professors or researchers who are recognized internationally for their outstanding academic achievements in a particular field
- Some executives and managers of foreign companies who are transferred to the United States.
EB-2 Visa Overview
Main Article: EB-2 Visa
An EB-2 visa is employment-based permanent residency.
There are 4 categories of workers who qualify for an EB-2 visa:
- Members of a profession holding an advanced degree (Masters + ) or it’s equivalent. The job must be a “profession,” including architects, engineers, lawyers, doctors, surgeons, or teachers.
- Someone with an “exceptional ability” in the sciences, arts, or business.
- “National Interest Waiver” - the same category as exceptional ability, but asking that the labor requirement be waived because of an interest to the United States. These individuals may self petition, meaning that they do not need an employer to sponsor them.
- A case decided by The United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) Administrative Appeals Office has identified 7 key factors pertaining to the “national interest:”
- improving the US economy
- improving wages and working conditions of US workers
- improving education and training programs for students and under-qualified workers
- improving health care
- providing more affordable housing to younger or older US residents
- improving the environment in the US or making more productive use of natural resources
- a request from a US government agency or someone that improves international cultural understanding
- Entrepreneurs may also qualify for an EB-2 visa under certain circumstances.
