II. IMMIGRANT STATUS: EMPLOYMENT‑BASED

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

1^st Preference: Extraordinary Ability

Outstanding Professors & Researchers Managers & Executives

2^nd Preference: Advanced Degree Professionals

Exceptional Ability

3^rd Preference: Professionals (Bachelors degree)

Skilled Workers (two years training)

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

5^th Preference: Immigrant Investors