Types of employment-based permanent residency categories and what it may mean to your hiring unit or cost center. . . .

The preference categories are organized into a tiered structure of occupations ranging from those that are in the national interests of the U.S. to religious occupations. Essentially this means that employment-based cases are ranked according to the importance of that particular profession to the national interest of the U.S., which depends upon the occupation's economic, scientific, technological, and social contribution to the U.S. Below is a list of the employment-based preference categories and the work classifications that fall under them.

EB-1 Category consists of:

• Aliens with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics;
• Outstanding professors or researchers; and
• Multinational executives and managers

For more information, see the USCIS website.

EB-2 Category consists of:

• Aliens who because of their exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business will substantially benefit the national economy, cultural, or educational interests or welfare of the U.S.; and
• Aliens who are members of the profession as holding advanced degrees or their equivalent

For more information, see the USCIS website.

EB-3 Category consists of:

• Aliens with at least 2 years of experience as skilled workers;
• Professionals with a baccalaureate degree; and
• Other workers with less than 2 years experience, such as an unskilled worker who can perform labor for which qualified workers are not available in the U.S.

For more information, see the USCIS website.

EB-4 Category consists of:

• Religious workers
• Employees and former employees of the U.S. Government abroad

For more information, see the USCIS website.