Houston EB-2 & EB-3 Visa Attorney

EB-2 Visa (Advanced Degree & Exceptional Ability)

The EB-2 visa is an employment-based green card for professionals with advanced degrees or individuals with exceptional abilities in fields like science, arts, or business.

Eligibility:

• Advanced Degree: Requires a master’s degree or a bachelor’s degree + 5 years of experience.
• Exceptional Ability: Requires proof of extraordinary skills in a specific field.
• National Interest Waiver (NIW): Applicants with work that benefits U.S. national interests can self-petition, bypassing the need for a job offer or labor certification.

Process:

1. Labor Certification: Typically required unless applying under the NIW.
2. File Form I-140: Employer files the petition, or applicants can self-petition

EB-3 Visa

An employment-based immigrant visa for foreign workers seeking permanent residency in the U.S.

Eligibility:

• Skilled Workers: Jobs requiring at least 2 years of experience or training.
• Professionals: Jobs requiring a bachelor’s degree.
• Other Workers: Unskilled labor requiring less than 2 years of experience or training.

Process:

1. Employer obtains Labor Certification to prove that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the job.
2. Employer files Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) on behalf of the applicant.
3. After approval, the applicant applies for a green card via Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence), or goes through consular processing if abroad.

Notes:

• Labor Certification is required.
• Longer processing times are common due to high demand for EB-3 visas.