The United States government, under President Donald Trump, issues approximately 140,000 employment-based immigrant visas each fiscal year (October 1 to September 30). These visas are divided into five preference categories, offering foreign workers a pathway to permanent residency. Eligible spouses and children may accompany the principal applicant or join them later.
Overview of the Five Employment-Based Visa Categories
The five categories are designed to attract different types of workers, from those with extraordinary abilities to investors. Each has specific requirements and application processes.
E1: Priority Workers and Persons of Extraordinary Ability
The E1 category covers three groups: individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics; outstanding professors and researchers; and multinational managers or executives. Those with extraordinary ability do not need a specific job offer and can self-petition using Form I-140, provided they will continue working in their field in the US. Outstanding professors and researchers generally need at least three years of teaching or research experience and a job offer from a US institution. Multinational managers must have worked for an overseas affiliate, parent, subsidiary, or branch of the US employer in a managerial or executive capacity.
E2: Advanced Degree Professionals and Exceptional Ability
The E2 category is for professionals with advanced degrees and individuals with exceptional ability in sciences, arts, or business. Applicants typically need an approved labour certification and a job offer from a US employer. However, a National Interest Waiver can remove these requirements if the exemption is deemed in the national interest, allowing self-petition.
E3: Skilled, Professional, and Other Workers
The E3 category covers skilled workers (jobs requiring at least two years of training or experience), professionals (bachelor's degree or equivalent), and other workers (jobs requiring less than two years of training). Applicants generally need an approved Form I-140 from their employer and a labour certification from the Department of Labour.
E4: Certain Special Immigrants
The E4 category includes broadcasters employed by the International Broadcasting Bureau, ministers of religion, certain former US government employees abroad, certain Iraqi and Afghan interpreters, certain foreign medical graduates, special immigrant juveniles, certain religious workers, and those serving in the US Armed Forces. Labour certification is not required for these subgroups.
E5: Immigrant Investors
The E5 category is for foreign investors who invest capital in new commercial enterprises in the US, creating jobs as part of the programme's requirements.
Key Requirements and Application Process
Most categories require an employer sponsor and labour certification, except for E1 extraordinary ability and E4 special immigrants. The application process typically involves filing Form I-140 with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Recent Related Developments
In a related development, VFS Global announced a new Premium Application Centre for UK visa applicants in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The centre operates once a month at Protea Hotel on Central Road, off Benin Sapele Road, and applicants must book an appointment in advance.
