Austin Immigration Lawyer - Board Certified - Paul Parsons P.C

Generally either a close family relative or an employer must sponsor someone for immigration. The first method relies on a close tie to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. If a foreign national does not have such a relative, he/she might qualify under one of the employment‑based categories. Currently the Immigration & Nationality Act sets an annual limit of 226,000 immigrant “preference” numbers for family‑based categories, and 143,949 immigrant “preference” numbers for employment‑based categories. The per-country limit for preference immigrants is now 25,896.

Employment‑Based Categories

1st Preference:
Extraordinary Ability
Outstanding Professors & Researchers Managers & Executives

2nd Preference:
Advanced Degree Professionals
Exceptional Ability

3rd Preference:
Professionals (Bachelors degree)
Skilled Workers (two years training)

4th Preference:
Other Workers (unskilled)
Special Immigrants (religious workers)

5th Preference:
Immigrant Investors