Employment Based Permanent Residence
The U.S. employment-based permanent residence process, commonly known as the green card process, allows foreign nationals to live and work permanently in the United States through employer sponsorship. This path offers a powerful opportunity to build a long-term future in the U.S. workforce across a wide variety of industries and occupations. At Karam, our attorneys guide employers and individuals through every stage of this complex journey with personalized legal strategies designed for success.
Employment-based green cards are divided into several preference categories, including:
- EB-1 for individuals with extraordinary ability, outstanding researcher, or multinational manager-level roles
- EB-2 for professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability, and
- EB-3 for skilled workers, professionals, and other workers.
Each category has specific eligibility requirements and documentation standards. Our team starts your process by assessing each category and creating the best strategy to each worker’s strengths and viability for success.
The majority of employment-based green card cases (EB-2 and EB-3) follow the PERM labor certification process. Through this process, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) verifies that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the job and that hiring a foreign national will not adversely impact the wages or working conditions of U.S. workers. Our legal team manages this process end-to-end, from crafting job descriptions to aiding with recruitment and filing the application with DOL.
Once the PERM labor certification is approved (if required), the employer files Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker with USCIS. This step demonstrates the employer’s intent to hire and the foreign national’s qualifications for the job. The approval of Form I-140 will classify the worker in a particular eligibility category and grant a priority date, which marks their spot in the line waiting to apply for a green card. The final step of filing an application for permanent residence or an immigrant visa depends on visa availability and country-specific backlogs.
In addition to the commonly used PERM pathway to a green card, Karam attorneys have extensive experience handling complex and high-profile case types such as EB-1 Extraordinary Ability petitions and EB-2 National Interest Waivers (NIWs). These categories are designed for individuals whose work has a significant impact in their field or on the national interest of the United States. Due to the higher level of scrutiny in these cases, Karam’s teams build compelling, well-documented cases that highlight our clients’ achievements and contributions, maximizing their chances of approval.
Securing permanent residence through employment can be transformative, both personally and professionally. With decades of combined experience, our immigration attorneys are dedicated to helping businesses attract top talent and individuals realize their professional dreams. From eligibility assessments to final approval, we provide clarity, compliance, and confidence at every step of your green card journey.