Employment-Based Green Cards:
Shortage, Achievement, or Occupation

Employment-based green cards can be obtained in one of three primary ways:

1) Shortage-based opportunities:
There is no U.S. worker able, willing, and qualified for the job;

• Labor certification ("Standard," RIR, or PERM)

2) Achievement-based opportunities:
The foreign national is so accomplished that he or she qualifies for a green card based on achievements and contributions in the field (i.e., achievement-based);

• Aliens of Extraordinary Ability (EB-1A)
• Outstanding Professors or Researchers (EB-1B)
• National Interest Waivers (NIW)

3) Occupation-based opportunities:
The foreign national will be working within one of a few special categories of occupations.

1. Multinational executives and managers (EB-1C)
2. Nurses and Physical Therapists
3. Doctors

You can see the overview for any of these employment-based green card options, or directly to the specific category for more details.