Employment-Based (EB) immigration is one of the primary legal pathways to obtain a U.S. Green Card. Approximately 140,000 visas are allocated annually for employment-based immigrants and their dependents.
This month's dates by category
Each card shows this month's Chart A and Chart B for applicants born in mainland China, with the change from last month. Open a category for all regions, the trend and eligibility.
Current dates by category
EB-1: Priority Workers
EB-1 is the highest priority category for employment-based immigration, with three subcategories:
EB-1A - Extraordinary Ability For individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. No employer sponsorship required - you can self-petition.
EB-1B - Outstanding Professors and Researchers For outstanding professors and researchers with recognized achievements in their academic field. Requires employer sponsorship.
EB-1C - Multinational Managers and Executives For multinational managers and executives being transferred to the U.S. Must have worked for the company for at least one year.
EB-2: Advanced Degree Professionals
EB-2 is for professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability.
EB-2 PERM Requires labor certification (PERM) and employer sponsorship, proving no qualified U.S. workers are available for the position.
EB-2 NIW - National Interest Waiver No employer sponsorship required. For those who can demonstrate their work is in the national interest of the United States.
EB-3: Skilled Workers
EB-3 includes three subcategories:
EB-3 Skilled Workers Requires at least 2 years of work experience or training.
EB-3 Professionals Requires a bachelor's degree.
EB-3 Other Workers (EW) For unskilled labor positions. No degree or experience required (longest wait times).
EB-4: Special Immigrants
EB-4 is designated for special immigrant categories, including:
Religious Workers Ministers, religious professionals, and other religious workers. Must have been working in a religious capacity for at least 2 years prior to application.
U.S. Government Overseas Employees Foreign employees working at U.S. government facilities abroad.
Special Translators/Interpreters Iraqi and Afghan translators who have worked for the U.S. military or government.
Other Special Categories Broadcasters, certain armed forces members, NATO employees, Special Immigrant Juveniles (SIJ), etc.
EB-5: Immigrant Investors
EB-5 provides a path to a green card through investment that creates jobs.
Direct Investment
- Standard investment: $1,050,000
- TEA (Targeted Employment Area): $800,000
- Must create at least 10 full-time jobs
Regional Center Investment Invest through USCIS-approved regional centers. Can use indirect job calculations.
Priority Dates Explained
Due to visa quota limitations, applicants from certain categories and countries must wait for their priority date to become current. Applicants born in mainland China and India typically face longer wait times.
- Priority Date (PD): The date your petition was received
- Table A (Final Action Dates): When you can submit I-485 or immigrant visa application
- Table B (Dates for Filing): When you can submit applications early