U.S. immigration law offers several pathways for foreign nationals to become lawful permanent residents (obtain a Green Card) through employment in the United States. These employment-based (EB) “preference immigrant” categories include:
- First preference (EB-1) – Priority workers, including:
- Individuals with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics.
- Outstanding professors and researchers.
- Certain multinational managers and executives.
- Second preference (EB-2) – Individuals who hold advanced degrees or have exceptional ability (this includes requests for national interest waivers).
- Third preference (EB-3) – Skilled workers, professionals, or other workers.
This page provides detailed information for foreign nationals in the U.S. who wish to apply for lawful permanent resident status under the EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 categories while in the U.S. This process is known as “adjustment of status.” Before applying, you should also review the Instructions for Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
For additional information on other types of employment-based immigrants, see our pages on Green Cards for EB-4 special immigrants (such as religious workers and special immigrant juveniles) and EB-5 immigrant investors.
If you are outside the United States, you will need to go through Consular Processing to apply for a Green Card as a family preference immigrant.