The highly skilled can immigrate to the USA using an EB1 visa or employment based green card. Unlike work permits, which do not confer US immigration status, the EB1 visa grants permanent residency.
There are three types of EB1 visa:
1. Extraordinary Ability (EB1-1)
The EB1-1 visa is granted to foreign talents who can demonstrate their exceptional skills. Those who have won a prestigious national or international award; for example a Nobel Prize or Academy Award, are likely to be granted an EB1-1 visa. Other justifications of exceptional talent include publication of one’s research in a prestigious periodical, art exhibitions, participation in peer reviews, playing lead roles in motion pictures or a breakthrough discovery in a scientific field.
2. Outstanding Professor or Researcher (EB1-2)
This type of US immigration visa is granted to teachers and researchers who have earned notable achievements in the academic field. Scholarly writings, breakthrough discoveries or receipts of prestigious awards are some of the achievements that can justify an EB1-2 visa.
3. Multinational Executive or Manager (EB1-3)
EB1-3 is a U.S. immigration visa granted to multinational executives who have been working with their sponsoring employer for a minimum of one year in the previous three, just prior to the date of visa application. The sponsoring employer must have been doing business in the USA for at least one year.
An EB1-3 visa holder is particularly responsible for managing the company unit or division where the offer of employment lies. Managers under EB1-3 sponsorship should also have the capacity to supervise managerial staff and hire and dismiss employees.