Employment-Based Immigration
An overview of the preference categories used for permanent residence through work.
Last verified: 2026-09-07
General overview
Employment-based permanent residence is organized into preference categories, commonly known as EB-1 through EB-5. Each category has its own criteria, and several of them require an employer to test the U.S. labour market and obtain a labour certification from the Department of Labor before an immigrant petition can be filed. Annual numerical limits apply, and availability differs by country of chargeability.
Main application stages
- 1Category selection and evidence review with authorized U.S. counsel
- 2Labour certification with the Department of Labor, when required
- 3Immigrant petition filed with USCIS
- 4Visa availability monitoring
- 5Consular processing or adjustment of status, then a decision
Who may consider this pathway
- Professionals, skilled workers and researchers considering a permanent move
- Executives and managers within multinational organizations
- Employers exploring how to sponsor an international hire
General eligibility considerations
- The category that matches the role, credentials and experience
- Whether labour certification is required for the category
- A qualifying job offer and employer, where the category requires one
- Evidence of education, licensing and experience
- Numerical limits and country-based visa availability
Common documentation categories
- Degrees, transcripts and credential evaluations
- Employment letters and detailed job descriptions
- Licences or professional registrations
- Employer and corporate documentation
- Identity and civil documents
Important limitations
- Most categories depend on an employer and a specific position
- Labour certification is an employer-driven process with strict requirements
- No category guarantees approval or a particular processing time
Frequently asked questions
Which category fits me?
That is a legal determination. We can help you organize your background so an authorized U.S. attorney can assess it efficiently.
Can I keep working in Canada meanwhile?
Your Canadian status is a Canadian question, and that is exactly where our RCIC can advise you directly.
Official sources
- USCIS — Permanent workers
- U.S. Department of Labor — Foreign labor certification
- U.S. Department of State — travel.state.gov
Last verified: 2026-09-07
Related pathways
Family-Based Immigration
Immigrant categories based on a qualifying family relationship to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
L-1 Intracompany Transferee
A temporary classification for transfers within a related international company.
E-1 and E-2 Treaty Trader and Investor
Classifications available to nationals of countries that maintain a qualifying treaty with the United States.