What are the ’employment-based immigration categories’?

The employment-based immigration categories are the set of pathways through which the United States grants permanent residence (green card) to professionals based on their work ties. They are organized into numbered preferences from EB-1 to EB-5, each designed for a different profile.

In general terms, the logic works as follows:

• EB-1: individuals with extraordinary ability, as well as outstanding researchers and multinational executives.
• EB-2: professionals with an advanced degree or exceptional ability.
• EB-3: skilled workers and other professionals.
• EB-4: special categories, such as certain religious workers.
• EB-5: investors who contribute capital and create jobs.

It is worth understanding how this connects to the H-1B: it is a temporary (nonimmigrant) visa, while the employment-based categories lead to permanent residence. Many professionals start on the H-1B and later pursue a green card through one of these preferences.

Each category has its own requirements, and eligibility depends on education, experience, and job offer. Since rules and criteria change, confirm updated details with USCIS or a specialist before choosing a pathway.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.