Five US work visa categories for foreign nationals

The United States offers pathways to permanent residency for foreign nationals through about 140,000 employment-based immigrant visas issued each fiscal year. These visas are designed to attract a wide range of talent, from leading researchers and executives to skilled workers, religious professionals, and business investors.

The visas, allocated from October 1 to September 30, are divided into five preference categories. Eligible spouses and children of approved applicants may also accompany or join the principal beneficiary. The categories cater to individuals with specialized skills, professional qualifications, and investment capacity.

The EB-1 category, or Priority Workers and Extraordinary Ability Individuals, is for those with exceptional achievements in science, arts, education, business, or athletics. It also includes outstanding professors, researchers, and certain multinational executives. Individuals with extraordinary ability can petition independently if they continue to work in their field.

The EB-2 category targets Advanced Degree Professionals and Exceptional Ability Workers in science, arts, or business. Most applicants need a labor certification and a job offer, though a National Interest Waiver allows independent petitions. The EB-3 category is for Skilled, Professional, and Other Workers, requiring at least two years of training or experience for skilled workers, a bachelor's degree for professionals, and less than two years for other workers.

Finally, the EB-4 category, Certain Special Immigrants, includes religious workers, broadcasters, Iraqi and Afghan interpreters, some foreign medical graduates, special immigrant juveniles, former U.S. government employees, and those serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.