USA Green Card Through Employment: Types, Steps, and Processing Times

A complete guide to employment-based green cards (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3), including eligibility, priority dates, and PERM labor certification. 

USA Green Card Through Employment: Types, Steps, and Processing Times

If you dream of living and working permanently here in the United States, an employment-based green card could be your gateway.

Each year, thousands of foreign nationals earn permanent residency through their professional skills, academic excellence, or labor contributions. But the process can be complex if you don’t understand the categories, requirements, and timelines.

In this complete guide, we’ll break down the types of employment-based green cards (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3), eligibility requirements, step-by-step application procedures, and the current processing times. Whether you’re an employer, skilled worker, or international student, this is your essential roadmap to the employment-based green card USA process.

What Is an Employment-Based Green Card?

An employment-based (EB) green card allows foreign nationals to live and work in the U.S. permanently. Unlike temporary work visas like the H-1B, an EB green card offers lawful permanent residence, giving you the freedom to work for any employer and eventually apply for U.S. citizenship.

There are five main categories under the EB system:

• EB-1: Priority Workers
• EB-2: Professionals with Advanced Degrees or Exceptional Ability
• EB-3: Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers
• EB-4: Special Immigrants
• EB-5: Immigrant Investors

This guide focuses on the three most common routes: EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3.

Employment-Based Green Card Categories (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3)

EB-1 Visa (Priority Workers)

The EB-1 visa USA category is for individuals with extraordinary abilities in arts, sciences, education, business, or athletics. It also covers outstanding professors, researchers, and multinational executives. This is one of the fastest green card paths as it doesn’t require PERM labor certification.

Eligibility:

• Proven extraordinary achievements
• International awards or recognition
• No employer sponsorship required for EB-1A (self-petition option)

EB-2 Visa (Advanced Degree and Exceptional Ability)

The US EB-2 visa requirements include:

• Holding an advanced degree (Master’s or higher), or
• Demonstrating exceptional ability in your field

The EB-2 also includes the National Interest Waiver (NIW), which allows self-petition without employer sponsorship if your work benefits the U.S. significantly.

EB-3 Visa (Skilled Workers and Professionals)

The EB-3 is suitable for:

• Professionals with a bachelor’s degree
• Skilled workers with 2+ years of experience
• Unskilled workers for positions with a labor shortage

Unlike EB-1 and some EB-2 cases, PERM labor certification is mandatory.

Step-by-Step Process for Getting an Employment-Based Green Card

Step 1: Secure a Job Offer from a U.S. Employer

Most applicants need a permanent, full-time job offer from a U.S. employer who is willing to sponsor their green card. Exceptions exist for EB-1A and EB-2 NIW candidates.

Step 2: PERM Labor Certification (If Required)

PERM (Program Electronic Review Management) is a process where the employer proves to the U.S. Department of Labor that:

• No qualified U.S. workers are available for the job
• Hiring a foreign worker won’t negatively affect U.S. wages and conditions

Steps in the PERM process:

• Prevailing wage determination
• Advertising and recruiting U.S. workers
• Filing ETA Form 9089

Many employers consult a US immigration attorney to ensure PERM compliance.

Step 3: File Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker)

Once PERM is approved, your employer submits Form I-140 to USCIS. This establishes that you meet the qualifications and the employer has the financial capacity to hire you.

Tip: Premium processing is available for faster approval in many EB categories.

Step 4: Check Priority Dates & Visa Bulletin

The priority date is essentially your place in line. It’s the date the labor certification was filed (or I-140 for PERM-exempt cases).

Every month, the Visa Bulletin updates availability. You can only move to the next step when your priority date becomes “current.”

Step 5: File Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) or Consular Processing

If you’re in the U.S., you file Form I-485. If you’re abroad, you go through consular processing at a U.S. embassy.

This step includes:

• Medical examination
• Biometric screening
• Background check
• Possibly an interview

If you have a family, they may also apply as derivative applicants using the spouse visa USA or marriage visa USA routes.

Processing Times for Employment-Based Green Cards

Processing times vary by category, country of origin, and application volume. As of 2025:

• EB-1: 6 to 12 months (faster for rest of world, backlogged for India/China)
• EB-2: 12 to 24 months
• EB-3: 18 to 36 months

Premium processing can reduce I-140 approval to 15 days, but the Visa Bulletin may still cause delays.

Can You Bring Family Members With You?

Yes! Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can apply for green cards as dependents. They’ll follow similar timelines and need to complete medical and biometric checks.

Spouses may apply through family-based routes like marriage visa USA or come as derivative beneficiaries of your EB petition.

Alternatives to Employment-Based Green Cards

If you don’t qualify for EB-1 to EB-3, consider:

• EB-5 Visa: For investors who put $800,000+ into a U.S. commercial enterprise and create 10+ jobs. A true US investment green card route.
• Family-Based Green Cards: Through U.S. citizen or permanent resident relatives
• Diversity Visa Lottery

Tips to Improve Your Chances of Approval

• Work with a US immigration attorney to avoid delays and denials
• File documents early, especially if you’re from a country with backlogs
• Track your priority date monthly via the Visa Bulletin
• Consider self-petition routes like EB-1A or EB-2 NIW

Conclusion

Getting a permanent work visa USA through employment is a significant achievement, but it requires strategic planning, legal support, and patience. Whether you’re an academic, an IT expert, or a skilled tradesperson, there’s an EB category for you.

By understanding the EB visa process, staying informed about your priority date, and consulting professionals, you can turn your American dream into a permanent reality.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long does the EB visa process take? Depending on your category and country, it can take anywhere from 1 to 5 years.

2. What is the difference between EB-2 and EB-3? EB-2 is for advanced degree holders and has faster processing but stricter qualifications. EB-3 is for professionals and skilled workers.

3. Can I change jobs after receiving an employment-based green card? Yes, after receiving your green card. If your I-485 has been pending for over 180 days, portability may apply under AC21.

4. Is premium processing available for EB green cards? Yes, for I-140 petitions in most EB categories.

5. Can I apply for an EB green card without a job offer? Yes, through EB-1A or EB-2 NIW, which allow self-petitioning.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws and procedures can change frequently. For personalized guidance, please consult a licensed U.S. immigration attorney or an accredited legal professional.

For more guidance, talk to a licensed US immigration attorney to explore the best route based on your goals and qualifications.