Employment-based green cards

Five categories of business immigrant visas

There are five basic types of business immigrant visas. All categories are limited by annual levels and per-country levels.

1. First category: Priority workers
2. Second category: Members of the professions holding advanced degrees, or persons of exceptional ability
3. Third category: Skilled workers, professionals and other workers
4. Fourth category: Certain special immigrants
5. Fifth category: Investors

These immigrants become permanent residents and obtain the indefinite right to live and work in the United States, as long as they do not commit any offense that would render them deportable.

Sponsorship and self-petitions

Business immigrants usually are sponsored by a U.S. employer based on a demonstrated need. Some business immigrants may self-petition if they meet statutory criteria for extraordinary ability in their field, or if their entry would be in the national interest.

Labor certification

Most business immigrant cases require Department of Labor certification that no U.S. workers are able, qualified or willing to take the position offered to the foreign national, and that admitting the immigrant will not negatively impact the wages and working conditions of similarly situated U.S. workers. The only categories exempt from this requirement are those for individuals who are extraordinary or outstanding in their field, or whose presence is in the national interest. Learn about PERM labor certification.