EB-1A (Extraordinary Ability)
The EB-1A category is for individuals who have reached the very top of their field in areas such as science, the arts, education, business, or athletics. One of its major advantages is that applicants may self-petition, meaning no job offer or employer sponsorship is needed.

To qualify, you must show evidence of either a major, one-time achievement (such as a Pulitzer Prize, Oscar, or Olympic medal) or satisfy at least 3 of the following 10 criteria:

• Receipt of lesser nationally or internationally recognized awards for excellence
  
  
• Membership in associations that require outstanding accomplishments of their members
  
  
• Published material about you in major media, trade journals, or professional publications
  
  
• Participation as a judge of the work of others, individually or on a panel
  
  
• Original contributions of major significance to your field
  
  
• Authorship of scholarly articles in professional journals or major media
  
  
• Artistic exhibitions or showcases featuring your work
  
  
• Service in a leading or critical role for distinguished organizations
  
  
• Commanding a high salary or other significantly elevated compensation compared to peers
  
  
• Documented commercial successes in the performing arts
  
  

EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) – Exceptional Ability / Advanced Degree
The EB-2 NIW allows individuals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability to request a waiver of the job offer and labor certification requirement if their work is in the national interest. Applicants may self-petition.

Step 1: Meet the EB-2 Eligibility Requirements

You must qualify under one of the following:

• Advanced Degree: A degree above a bachelor’s, or a bachelor’s plus at least five years of progressive post-degree experience
  
  
• Exceptional Ability: A level of expertise significantly above that ordinarily seen in your field (sciences, arts, or business)
  
  

Step 2: Meet the National Interest Waiver Criteria

To obtain the NIW, you must show that:

1. Your proposed endeavor has substantial merit and national importance.
   
   
2. You are well-positioned to advance the endeavor.
   
   
3. Waiving the job offer and labor certification requirements would benefit the United States overall.

EB-3 (Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers)
The EB-3 category provides a path to permanent residency for:

• Skilled Workers: Individuals with at least two years of training or work experience
  
  
• Professionals: Individuals holding a U.S. bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent
  
  
• Other Workers: Individuals performing unskilled labor requiring less than two years of experience

Once your petition is approved and a visa becomes available, you may move forward with your green card application. Eligible family members may also apply for permanent residency and can request work authorization while their cases are pending. Dependent children may be included as well.

L-1 Visa
The L-1 visa allows a U.S. employer to transfer key personnel from its foreign office to its operations in the United States. This includes executives and managers (L-1A) as well as employees with specialized knowledge (L-1B). The L-1A category also permits eligible executives or managers to come to the United States to open and establish a new U.S. office when the company has not yet set one up.

O-1 Visa 

The O-1 visa is for individuals who have reached a high level of distinction in their field. This includes extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics (O-1A), as well as extraordinary ability in the arts or extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry (O-1B). Applicants must demonstrate national or international recognition for their accomplishments.

Trade National (TN Visa)

Canadian and Mexican nationals who wish to work in the United States may qualify for the TN visa, a classification created under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). If your occupation appears on the NAFTA professional list and you have a valid job offer from a U.S. employer, you may be eligible to apply for TN status.