As a worker, you can obtain permanent residence through one of five employment-based (EB) categories. Most categories involve substantial delays in obtaining lawful permanent residence.
EB1 Is for those with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors and researchers, and multinational executives and managers. No labor certification is required.
EB2 Is for professionals with advanced degrees (or a bachelor’s degree and five years postgraduate progressive experience), and those with exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business. These cases require a labor certification, unless a National Interest Waiver is obtained by application to USCIS.
EB3 Is for skilled workers, professionals, and other workers. A labor certification is required.
EB4 Is for religious workers. No labor certification is required.
EB5 Is for investors. Also known as an employment creation visa, this requires investment of either $500,000 or $1,000,000, depending on location and the creation of 10 full-time jobs for US workers.