Pursue Permanent Residency Through Employment-Based Immigration
Experienced Legal Counsel for Professionals, Skilled Workers, and Investors

Navigating the U.S. employment-based immigration system requires more than just meeting eligibility criteria—it requires a well-prepared strategy. At Abdallah Immigration, our attorneys provide comprehensive legal support for professionals, employers, and investors seeking to secure permanent residency through employment-based categories.

Employment-Based Immigration: An Overview

Each year, approximately 140,000 employment-based immigrant visas are made available under U.S. immigration law. These visas offer a path to lawful permanent residency (Green Card) for individuals who meet specific qualifications related to their education, experience, or investment activity.

Employment-based immigrant visas are organized into five preference categories (EB-1 through EB-5). Some categories require a job offer and labor certification, while others—such as EB-1 and EB-5—may allow for self-petitioning or exemption from the labor certification process.

Certain spouses and children may also be eligible to accompany or follow-to-join the principal applicant.

Employment-Based Visa Categories Processing

EB-1: Priority Workers

Reserved for individuals with exceptional credentials, including:

  • Persons with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics

  • Outstanding professors and researchers with at least three years of experience and international recognition

  • Multinational executives and managers who have worked for a qualifying U.S. employer abroad

EB-2: Professionals with Advanced Degrees or Exceptional Ability

Requires a labor certification and employer sponsorship (unless a National Interest Waiver is granted). Eligible applicants include:

  • Professionals with a Master’s degree or higher, or a Bachelor’s degree plus five years of progressive experience

  • Individuals with exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business

EB-3: Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers

For applicants with a full-time job offer from a U.S. employer and an approved labor certification. Subcategories include:

  • Skilled workers (positions requiring at least two years of training or experience)

  • Professionals (positions requiring a U.S. or foreign equivalent Bachelor’s degree)

  • Unskilled workers (positions requiring less than two years of experience, excluding seasonal or temporary roles)

EB-4: Special Immigrants

Covers a variety of specialized categories, including:

  • Religious workers entering the U.S. for recognized religious occupations

  • Special Immigrant Juveniles (SIJ) needing legal protection due to abuse, abandonment, or neglect

  • Certain international broadcasters and other designated individuals

EB-5: Immigrant Investors

Designed for foreign nationals who make a qualifying investment in a U.S. business. Requirements include:

  • Investing $800,000 to $1,050,000 in a new commercial enterprise (depending on location)

  • Creating at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers

  • Meeting additional compliance and documentation standards for USCIS approval

How Our Immigration Attorneys Can Help

At Abdallah Immigration, we offer strategic guidance and full legal representation for employment-based immigration cases. Our services include:

  • Evaluating eligibility across all employment-based categories (EB-1 to EB-5)

  • Preparing and filing PERM labor certification and Form I-140 immigrant petitions

  • Assisting with National Interest Waivers and self-petition options where applicable

  • Guiding investors through all stages of the EB-5 process, including source of funds compliance

  • Responding to Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and overcoming challenges that arise during the process

 FAQs

  • Timelines vary by visa category, country of chargeability, and whether a labor certification is required. Processing may take several months to several years.

  • Most categories (EB-2, EB-3) require a valid job offer and labor certification. EB-1 (extraordinary ability) and EB-5 (investors) may not require employer sponsorship.

  • These categories differ by qualifications: EB-1 is for priority workers, EB-2 for professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability, and EB-3 for skilled and unskilled workers.

  • Yes, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 may be eligible for derivative visas under the same category.

  • Applicants must invest between $800,000 and $1,050,000 depending on location and demonstrate that the investment will create 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.

Take the Next Step Toward Employment-Based Immigration

Work with trusted immigration attorneys to pursue your employment-based visa or Green Card with confidence and clarity.