Employment Based Visas 101: The Types Of Employment Visas

Immigration to the United States is an incredibly complicated process, and it’s understandable to struggle with figuring out the best method of entry into the country. For those looking into employment-based immigration, a business immigration attorney can help, but knowing the different types of employment visas can simplify the process further. There are five types of employment-based visas in the United States: EB1, EB2, EB3, EB4, and EB5.

EB1 Visas: Priority Workers

This visa type is split further into three categories: EB1A, EB1B, and EB1C. EB1A visas are reserved for workers with extraordinary ability, EB1B visas are for foreign researchers or professors, and EB1C visas are for high-level executives transferred from multinational corporations.

EB2 Visas: Advanced Degrees And Exceptional Ability

EB2 visas are one of the more common types of employment immigration visas. These visas are designed for immigrants with advanced degrees seeking to enter the country for further education or employment, as well as for immigrants with a standing job offer within the United States.

EB3 Visas: Professionals And Workers

Many immigrants will fall into this category if they are seeking employment within the United States. EB3 visas are for professionals with at least a four-year degree, unskilled workers, and skilled workers. Roughly 28.6% of immigrants will fall into this category.

EB4 Visas: Special Circumstances

EB4 visas are fairly uncommon and are generally reserved for immigrants coming to the United States under special circumstances. This can include religious workers, certain translators, physicians, military members, international organization workers, and more. These types of visas are less frequently given out and will not apply to a majority of situations.

EB5 Visas: Immigrant Investors

EB5 visas are specifically designed for foreign investors in American companies looking to immigrate to the United States. EB5 visa applicants must make either a $500,000 or $1 million capital investment in a U.S. business entity that creates at least 10 full-time jobs.

Looking for help with an EB5 visa from a business immigration attorney? We specialize in employment-based immigration and can help you navigate the often complicated process of applying for employment-based immigration. Contact us today for more information on which EB visa might be right for your situation.