Citizens of other countries ("foreign nationals") who wish to permanently reside and work in the United States (immigrate) must become "lawful permanent residents" (i.e. get their "green card."). Foreign nationals may be eligible for lawful permanent resident status based upon a permanent employment opportunity. Foreign nationals who only wish to temporarily work in the United States should refer to our Temporary Visas section.

The U.S. government divides foreign nationals seeking to immigrate based on a permanent employment opportunity into five categories. The U.S. government limits employment-based immigration and issues green cards in the following preferential order:

1. 1.EB-1 Priority Workers (also known as "EB-1" workers)
   • Individuals of extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics
   • Outstanding professors or researchers
   • Certain executives and managers transferring within multinational companies
2. EB-2 Professionals with Advanced Degrees or Persons with Exceptional Ability
   • Individuals of exceptional ability in the sciences, arts or business
   • Individuals with advanced degrees
   • Qualified physicians who will practice medicine in an underserved U.S. area
3. EB-3 Professionals and Skilled Workers ("EB-3" workers)
   • Professionals with bachelors' degrees
   • Skilled workers
   • Unskilled workers
4. EB-4 Special Immigrants
   • Religious workers
   • Current and former employees of the U.S. Government abroad
5. EB-5 Investors (see Investment Based Immigration for more information)

The application process is a multi-step procedure and can take anywhere from several months to several years. Some applicants may be able to enter and work in the United States under non-immigrant visas while their applications are pending.

If you are interested in becoming a lawful permanent resident by virtue of a permanent employment opportunity or obtaining lawful permanent resident status for your employees, please call, e-mail, or submit an online questionnaire. We can answer your questions, determine you or your employees' eligibility, and guide you through the application process. There is no charge for your initial consultation. We will quote you a fee after learning the details of your case.

The foregoing information is for informational purposes only, and does not constitute legal advice, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered a substitute for seeking legal advice from an attorney.

For more detailed information regarding employment-based immigration, you may also visit the official website for the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services at www.uscis.gov.