Types of Immigration Visas (U.S.)

As of 2018, more than 61.4 million immigrants reside in the United States. Many of them are there illegally.

The dream of a better life in the U.S. can become a reality only if a person uses a government-approved method to get there. There are multiple sanctioned visa programs for potential immigrants. The following list contains several examples of available options.

EB-1 Visa

People designated as priority workers are eligible for the Employment-Based, First Preference Visas (EB-1). EB-1 Visas are divided into three (3) categories:

EB-1A

The EB-1AVisa is for those who pose extraordinary abilities in the fields of athletics, education, business, arts, or science. Applicants typically hold widespread acknowledgment of success with in their field of expertise.

EB-1B

The EB-1B Visa is for scholars, researchers, and professors who have achieved international acclaim for their achievements.Applicants will generally have a minimum of three years of work experience in their field of specialization and will be seeking to pursue a tenured position in the U.S.

EB-1C

The EB-1CVisa is one of the more popular routes to enter the States. This visa is applicable for multinational executives and managers who have already been employed by the company for a minimum of three (3) years.

EB-1C Visas account for 28.6 percent of all employment-based visas each year.  There has historically been an adequate quantity of EB-1C Visas available to supply the annual demand, so processing is fairly quick by comparison to many other visa programs.

EB-2 Visa

Second preference visas are for applicants who have advanced degrees, exceptional abilities, or those who can prove that their inclusion is in the interest of the United States. Holders of a baccalaureate degree with at least five (5) years of progressive experience their respective fields are also eligible for an EB-2 Visa.

Applicants should be able to demonstrate a degree of expertise or accomplishment beyond the ordinary to be eligible for the visa.

People seeking to immigrate based on a National Interest Waiver must be able to demonstrate that their immigration will benefit the economy, cultural or educational interests, or welfare of the United States due to their exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business.

Approximately 28.6 percent of employment-based visas are reserved for EB-2 Visa applicants.

The volume of petitions from applicants in China and India is so great that a backlog typically exists due to the over subscription.

EB-3 Visa

Employment-Based Third Preference Visas are reserved for people whose occupations require at least a four-year college or university degree.

Two years of training or on-the-job experience qualify an applicant as a skilled worker.

The EB-3 Visa is also available for applicants seeking to fill non-seasonal occupations that require less than two years of job training or work experience.

All EB-3 applicants are required to obtain a PERM Labor Certification from the U.S. Department of Labor. The company offering employment applies for the certification on behalf of the prospective immigrant.

8.6 percent of all Employment-Based visas are reserved for the EB-3 visa category. There is typically a considerable backlog of applications for EB-3 Visas.

Additional visa options will be discussed in a future blog article.