Employment-based immigration is a core focus of our practice. Interacción Global assists workers, professionals, employers, and healthcare institutions seeking lawful permanent residency opportunities through employment in the United States.
We work with clients pursuing employment-based immigration pathways that may be appropriate for skilled workers, professionals with advanced education, and individuals whose experience or occupation meets U.S. workforce needs. Particular attention is given to industries such as healthcare, where qualified physicians, nurses, and medical professionals from abroad play a vital role.
Each employment-based case is carefully reviewed to determine eligibility, sponsorship requirements, and the most appropriate long-term immigration strategy. Our team provides structured guidance, document preparation support, and legal representation by licensed attorneys when applicable.
The EB-1 category is reserved for individuals with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors and researchers, and multinational executives or managers. This category offers several advantages, including no labor certification requirement and typically faster processing times.
EB-1A: Extraordinary Ability – For individuals who have risen to the top of their field in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. Applicants must demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim and recognition.
EB-1B: Outstanding Professors and Researchers – For recognized professors and researchers with at least three years of experience in teaching or research, who are pursuing tenure or a comparable research position.
EB-1C: Multinational Managers and Executives – For executives or managers who have been employed for at least one year by a firm or corporation outside the U.S. and are being transferred to a U.S. office.
The EB-2 category is for professionals holding advanced degrees (Master’s or higher) or individuals with exceptional ability in sciences, arts, or business. This category typically requires labor certification unless the applicant qualifies for a National Interest Waiver.
EB-2 with Labor Certification – Most EB-2 applicants must go through the PERM labor certification process, where the employer must demonstrate that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the position.
National Interest Waiver (NIW) – Allows certain individuals to self-petition without employer sponsorship or labor certification if they can demonstrate that their work is in the national interest of the United States. This is particularly relevant for healthcare professionals, researchers, and entrepreneurs with innovative ventures.
The EB-3 category covers skilled workers, professionals with bachelor’s degrees, and other workers performing unskilled labor. While processing times may be longer than EB-1 or EB-2, this category provides opportunities for a broader range of workers.
Skilled Workers – For positions requiring at least two years of job experience, training, or education.
Professionals – For positions requiring a U.S. bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent as a minimum qualification.
Other Workers (Unskilled) – For positions requiring less than two years of training or experience, though this subcategory typically has longer wait times due to visa limitations.
Healthcare professionals represent a critical component of the U.S. workforce, and we have extensive experience assisting doctors, nurses, physical therapists, and other medical professionals in obtaining employment-based green cards.
EB-1 is for priority workers with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors/researchers, or multinational executives—typically no labor certification needed. EB-2 is for professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability—usually requires labor certification unless you qualify for National Interest Waiver. EB-3 is for skilled workers, professionals with bachelor’s degrees, or other workers—requires labor certification and typically has longer wait times. The category you qualify for depends on your education, experience, and the position requirements.
Processing times vary significantly by category and country of birth. PERM labor certification takes 6-12 months. I-140 petitions take 4-8 months (or 15 days with premium processing). Final adjustment of status or consular processing adds another 8-18 months. Total timeline can range from 1-2 years for EB-1 cases to 3-6+ years for EB-3 cases from countries with visa backlogs. We monitor your priority date and keep you updated on estimated wait times.
It depends on the stage of your case. If you change employers before I-140 approval, your case must start over with the new employer. After I-140 approval but before filing I-485, you may be able to port your priority date to a new employer. After I-485 has been pending for 180 days, you can change to a same/similar position with any employer using AC21 portability rules. We can assess your specific situation and advise on the safest approach to changing employers.
Most employment-based categories require employer sponsorship with a specific job offer. However, certain categories allow self-petitioning without employer sponsorship: EB-1A (extraordinary ability), EB-2 with National Interest Waiver (NIW), and certain EB-5 investor categories. For healthcare professionals, physicians may qualify for NIW if working in underserved areas. We can evaluate whether you qualify for self-petitioning options or need employer sponsorship.
A National Interest Waiver (NIW) allows certain EB-2 qualified individuals to self-petition without employer sponsorship or labor certification. To qualify, you must show that your proposed work has substantial merit and national importance, you are well-positioned to advance the work, and it would benefit the U.S. to waive the job offer requirement. Common NIW beneficiaries include healthcare professionals serving underserved areas, researchers, entrepreneurs with innovative ventures, and professionals in STEM fields. We can assess your credentials and advise on NIW eligibility.
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