The employment based system consists of various priority categories.

EB1 or first preference is available for priority workers such as; extraordinary ability, outstanding professors and researchers, and multinational executives and managers.  There is currently no visa wait time for most countries under this category.

EB2 or second preference is available for professionals with an advanced degree or exceptional ability.  Under this category you must have at least an advanced degree or equivalent.  The visa wait time varies depending on the country of the foreign national.

EB3 or third preference is available for skilled workers or professional workers.  Under this category you must have at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent or two or more years of experience. The visa wait time varies depending on the country of the foreign national.

Other Workers preference is available for those who have less than two years of experience and no degree. The visa category is “unskilled” and the wait time varies depending on the country of the foreign national.

EB4 or fourth preference is available for special immigrants. There is currently no wait time for this category

Certain religious workers are available for ministers/pastors. There is currently no visas available under this category.

EB5 or fifth preference is available for those who plan to invest in the U.S. and hire U.S. workers. There is currently no visa wait time for workers under this category.