Immigrant Visas

Employment-Based Visa Information

In general, a specific offer of employment from a U.S. based employer is required to qualify for immigration in the employment-based preference categories. These cases are petitioned by the U.S. employer in the United States, not at the U.S. Embassy.

1. Priority Workers: Persons of extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, arts, business or athletics; outstanding professors and researchers and certain multinational executives and managers.
2. Members of “The Professions”, Persons with exceptional ability in the sciences, arts and business: Defined as a member of the professions holding an advanced degree or equivalent, or baccalaureate degree plus at least 5 years of progressive experience in the specialty, and persons of exceptional ability in the sciences, arts and business.
3. Professionals: A person who holds a baccalaureate degree and who is a member of the professions.
4. Skilled and Unskilled Workers: Skilled workers with at least two years training or experience and unskilled workers whose skills are in short supply in the U.S. (Note:The Embassy does not keep a list of these professions).
5. Special Immigrants: Certain religious workers and ministers of religion, certain international organization employees and their immediate family members, qualified and recommended current and former employees of the U.S. government and returning residents.

For tips on Employment-Based Immigration, please visit the web page at: http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants_types_employment2.html.