EB1
GREEN CARD THROUGH SPECIAL SKILLS
EB2
GREEN CARD FOR PROFESSIONALS WELL QUALIFIED OR OF NATIONAL INTEREST
The EB2 Visa is an immigration application that leads directly to the Green Card. It is intended for above-average professionals or professionals who have exceptional abilities. In the USA, a professional with a bachelor's degree with at least 10 years of experience combined in their respective fields, or a professional with a bachelor's degree as well as master's degree (even if the professional experience is less than 10 years) are considered above-average professionals and therefore, eligible to petition through this category for a Green Card. Moreover, if in addition to the aforementioned criteria, an individual’s profession is in demand in the United States (Engineering, IT, Physiotherapy, Dentistry, Nursing and Aviation), the process is further facilitated due to the country’s national interest in this type professional. For this reason, the petition can be requested through the NIW (National Interest Waiver) subcategory, referring back to “Matter of Dhanasar” case law, 26 I&N Dec. 884 (AAO 2016).
EB3
GREEN CARD THROUGH AMERICAN EMPLOYER
L1
VISA TO LIVE AND WORK IN THE USA BY TRANSFER BETWEEN COMPANIES
The L1 Visa is a visa that primarily does not lead to a Green Card; however, it provides eligibility Card after one year of being approved. The applicant for this visa must be transferring between a foreign parent company to an American subsidiary. The applicant must hold an executive or managerial position within said company and, therefore, apply to the subcategory L1-A. Another route is for professionals of a specialized workforce which allows for one to apply for the subcategory L1-B. Under both subcategories, it is required that the applicant be employed with the company at matter for at least 1 year prior to the visa application. The maximum period of stay allowed for a professional in this type of visa is of 7 years, however, as stated above, the L1 visa allows the visa holder to apply for a Green Card through EB1-C in the case of managers and executives, or for the Green Card through EB3 in the case of specialized workforce.
E2
VISA TO LIVE AND WORK IN THE USA THROUGH INVESTMENT
EB5
GREEN CARD THROUGH INVESTMENT
The EB5 Visa leads directly to the attainment of a Green Card. The only prerequisite in obtaining this visa is to prove a minimum investment of 900 thousand dollars in areas with an investment deficit. This is established through regional centers that are authorized by the American Immigration to carry out. The investment may also be that of or 1.8 million dollars, in which case there are no restrictions as to the industry being invested upon. This scenario makes it possible for an applicant to invest in a business of his/her own, provided that said business generates at least 10 new jobs in the United States.