Employment-Based Immigration

Your Pathway to U.S. Permanent Residence

U.S. Permanent Residence (Green Card) can be obtained through five employment-based (EB) preference categories. While many options require a U.S. employer’s sponsorship and a test of the labor market, specific high-level categories allow professionals to self-petition without a job offer.

⚠️ 2026 STRATEGIC ALERT: Visa Bulletin & Processing

Retrogression: Due to high demand, visa numbers are limited annually. Your Priority Date (the date your case is filed) determines when you can receive a Green Card. Early filing is critical to secure your place in line.

Premium Processing: USCIS now allows expedited processing (15-45 days) for almost all I-140 petitions, including EB-1C Executives and EB-2 NIW, drastically reducing the wait for approval.

The 3-Stage Process

Stage 1: PERM Labor Certification

(Required for EB-2 & EB-3)
The employer must prove to the Dept. of Labor (DOL) that there are no qualified U.S. workers available for the position.

Stage 2: I-140 Petition

(The Immigrant Petition)
USCIS verifies that the candidate meets the visa qualifications and (if applicable) the employer has the “Ability to Pay” the wage.

Stage 3: Green Card

(I-485 or Consular Processing)
Once the Priority Date is current, the applicant files for the actual Green Card. Work permits are available during this wait.

Select Your Category

Employment-based visas are divided by preference levels.

🚀 Self-Sponsorship (No PERM Required)

🏢 Employer Sponsored (PERM / Manager)

How Wang Law PLLC Can Help

Strategic Planning: We don’t just file forms; we develop a multi-year strategy. For employers, we navigate the complex “Ability to Pay” audits and PERM recruitment rules. For individuals, we specialize in crafting compelling narratives for EB-1A and NIW self-petitions.

  • Credential Evaluation: Determining educational equivalencies for foreign degrees.
  • Audit Defense: Handling DOL audits during the PERM process.
  • Concurrent Filing: Helping you get EAD work permits while waiting for Green Cards.

Evaluate Your Options

Contact Wang Law PLLC to determine if you qualify for Employer Sponsorship or Self-Petitioning.