Applying for an employment-based visa usually requires the filing of a labor certification, and a petition by the employer to USCIS.  This labor certification must show that there are insufficient available, qualified and willing US workers to fill the position being offered at the wage established by the department of labor, and that hiring such a worker will not harm US employees in similar positions.  

Employment-based immigration is divided into four categories. 

• EB-1 is for priority workers with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics, or foreign nationals who are outstanding professors or researchers with three years of experience in teaching or research.  
• EB-2 is for professionals holding advanced degrees or five years of progressive post-baccalaureate experience or persons of exceptional ability in the arts, sciences, or business.  
• EB-3 is for skilled workers, professionals and other workers.
• EB-4 is for special immigrants including ministers, religious workers, and US government workers. 

In addition EB-5 is for foreign entrepreneurs who wish to invest between $500,000 and $1,000,000 in a commercial enterprise in the US.  This is similar to the E visa for foreign traders.

If you have any questions about which immigrant category you fall into, please contact Elsie C. Vasquez today for a consultation at (212) 304-0105 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

It is very important for an immigrant to the US to preserve a lawful status.  Any period of unlawful presence in the US will harm a person’s chances of obtaining a green card.  In the same way, an arrest or conviction for any crime, even one which may seem minor, can prevent a person from obtaining their green card.  For this reason it is very important that a green card or adjustment of status applicant hire a capable and professional attorney to represent them in any immigration proceedings.  

The Law Office of Elsie C. Vasquez has experience with every kind of adjustment or green card matter.  Mrs. Vasquez will pursue your case with professionalism, individual attention, and personal experience.  If you or a loved one wish to travel to the US permanently, contact Elsie C. Vasquez today for a consultation at (212) 304-0105 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .