America
AmericaA Flexible Pathway to U.S. Permanent Residency Without Employer Sponsorship
The EB-1A (Extraordinary Ability) immigrant visa is recognized as one of the most prestigious and fast-tracked employment-based green card categories in the United States. It is specifically designed for individuals who have risen to the very top of their field in the areas of science, arts, education, business, or athletics. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim and achievements that are recognized by experts in their field.
Unlike most U.S. green card categories that require employer sponsorship, the EB-1A allows applicants to self-petition—offering unparalleled freedom and flexibility. This makes it an ideal option for self-employed professionals, freelancers, entrepreneurs, and top-tier experts who wish to control their own immigration process.
As a first-preference employment-based category (EB-1), the EB-1A offers faster processing times and does not require a PERM Labor Certification, which significantly streamlines the application process. However, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) enforces stringent criteria for approval. Only a small number of individuals who truly demonstrate extraordinary ability in their domain are granted EB-1A status. For this reason, the EB-1A is often referred to as the “gold standard” of U.S. employment-based immigration—an elite pathway to obtaining a green card for those with exceptional qualifications.
Eligibility Criteria for EB-1A：Proving Extraordinary Ability
Applicants who have received a major internationally recognized award—such as a Nobel Prize, Academy Award, or Olympic medal—automatically meet the EB-1A qualification.
For those without such a one-time global distinction, they must meet at least three out of the following ten criteria：
- Receipt of nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in their field (excluding globally dominant awards).
- Membership in associations that require outstanding achievements as a condition for membership.
- Published material about the applicant in professional journals, major media, or national newspapers.
- Participation as a judge or panelist evaluating the work of others in the same or a related field.
- Original contributions of major significance in the applicant’s field (scientific, scholarly, artistic, athletic, or business-related).
- Authorship of scholarly articles or publications in professional or mainstream media.
- Exhibition or showcase of artistic work in recognized galleries, museums, or public displays (for visual artists, photographers, etc.).
- Employment in a leading or critical role at distinguished organizations or institutions.
- Commanding a high salary or significantly above-average remuneration compared to others in the field.
- Demonstrated commercial success in the performing arts (such as record sales, box office revenue).
EB-1A Application Process
Step 1：File Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker)
Applicants may submit the I-140 petition directly without the need for an employer or agent. Premium Processing is available to expedite the review process.
Step 2：Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing
For applicants inside the U.S. (e.g., on H-1B, F-1, etc.), file Form I-485 to adjust status to permanent residency.
For applicants outside the U.S., complete Consular Processing through a U.S. embassy or consulate to obtain an immigrant visa and enter the U.S. as a permanent resident.
Why Choose the EB-1A Green Card？
No employer sponsorship required – full autonomy over your application
No PERM Labor Certification needed – simplified and efficient process
Top-priority category – faster adjudication times
Ideal for freelancers, entrepreneurs, self-employed professionals
Residency based on your merit – not bound by job location
If you have achieved excellence in your field—whether in science, arts, education, business, or athletics—the EB-1A category could be your gateway to permanent residency in the United States.
Contact our expert immigration team today
for a personalized assessment and to design a strategic plan for your successful EB-1A petition.
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EB-2 NIW Green Card
A Fast-Track National Interest Waiver for Highly Educated and Exceptional Professionals
The The EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) is a U.S. employment-based second preference (EB-2) immigrant visa category designed for individuals who either hold an advanced degree or demonstrate exceptional ability in fields such as science, technology, engineering, business, or the arts. EB-2 NIW allows qualified applicants to self-petition without the need for employer sponsorship or a PERM labor certification, provided they can prove that their work benefits the national interest of the United States. This makes the EB-2 NIW pathway a flexible and efficient route to permanent residency.
EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) is a U.S. employment-based immigrant visa category designed for individuals who either hold an advanced degree or demonstrate exceptional ability in fields such as science, technology, engineering, business, or the arts. Unlike traditional EB-2 applications, EB-2 NIW allows qualified applicants to self-petition without the need for employer sponsorship or a PERM labor certification, provided they can prove that their work benefits the national interest of the United States. This makes the EB-2 NIW pathway a flexible and efficient route to permanent residency.
This visa is especially ideal for postdoctoral researchers, scientists, university faculty, medical professionals, engineers, and entrepreneurs working in priority industries such as technology, biotechnology, healthcare, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing.
Key Differences: Traditional EB-2 vs. EB-2 NIW？
| Category | Traditional EB-2 | EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) |
|---|---|---|
| Employer Sponsorship Required | Yes | No – Self-petition allowed |
| Labor Certification (PERM) Required | Yes | No |
| Flexibility | Limited by employer and job location | High – Suitable for self-employed, academics, researchers |
| Application Focus | Employer and job qualifications | Applicant’s achievements and national impact potential |
EB-2 NIW Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the EB-2 NIW green card, applicants must meet two sets of requirements：
1. Meet Basic EB-2 Requirements (One of the following)
Advanced Degree
You must hold a master’s or doctoral degree, or a bachelor’s degree plus at least five years of progressive work experience in the relevant field.
Exceptional Ability
If you do not hold an advanced degree, you must demonstrate exceptional ability in sciences, arts, or business through objective evidence, such as:
major awards
published research
media coverage
professional memberships
patents
significant contributions
10+ years of full-time professional experience
professional licenses or certifications
a salary or remuneration significantly higher than peers in the field
2. Satisfy the Three NIW Criteria (Based on the 2016 Dhanasar Decision)
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Your work must have substantial merit and national importance
Your proposed endeavor should benefit the U.S. in a field of national significance such as science, technology, education, healthcare, or the economy.
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You must be well-positioned to advance the proposed endeavor
This includes a solid educational background, track record of success, and a clear plan to continue contributing to the U.S.
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Waiving the labor certification and employer sponsorship must benefit the United States
You must demonstrate that bypassing the traditional PERM process and allowing you to immigrate directly would benefit the U.S. more effectively.
U.S. Government Priority Fields
According to the February 2024 White House Critical and Emerging Technologies List, individuals working in the following high-impact fields are strongly aligned with U.S. strategic priorities, significantly increasing their chances of EB-2 NIW approval：
Advanced Computing
Advanced Engineering Materials
Advanced Manufacturing Technologies
Artificial Intelligence, AI
Biotechnologies
Clean Energy Generation & Storage
Cybersecurity & Data Security
Directed Energy, Hypersonics, Quantum Information, Space Technologies
Semiconductors, Microelectronics, Communications Technologies, Human-Machine Interfaces
In addition, professionals in medical and public health research, including vaccine development, cancer research, and public health policy, are often considered to be serving vital national interests.
Common Backgrounds of EB-2 NIW Applicants
Postdoctoral Researchers
University Professors, Assistant Professors, and Lecturers
R&D Engineers, AI or Biotech Researchers
Inventors and Patent Holders
Published Academic Authors and Conference Presenters
Professionals in Clean Energy, Semiconductors, Autonomous Vehicles, or Aerospace
If you have a proven track record in your field and can demonstrate your potential to contribute to U.S. national interests, our team can help evaluate your eligibility for the EB-2 NIW pathway.
EB-2 NIW Application Process
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Submit Form I-140 (EB-2 NIW Petition)
This can be filed directly by the applicant, with no employer required. Premium Processing is available in most cases for faster adjudication.
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Wait for Priority Date to Become Current
The EB-2 category is subject to visa bulletin priority dates, which vary by country. Taiwanese applicants generally experience shorter wait times, but applicants must still check the current Visa Bulletin to confirm availability.
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Apply for a Green Card
If in the U.S.: File Form I-485 for Adjustment of Status.
If outside the U.S.: Proceed through Consular Processing, including an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Advantages of the EB-2 NIW Program
No employer required – self-petition flexibility：Ideal for freelancers, entrepreneurs, academics, and researchers.
No labor certification (PERM) needed： Save time and avoid bureaucratic hurdles.
Focus on national impact, not employer need： Demonstrate the strategic value of your work to the U.S.
Direct path to U.S. green card for entire family： Your spouse and children under 21 can also obtain lawful permanent resident status.
Is EB-2 NIW Right for You？
You may be a strong candidate if you meet any of the following：
Hold a master’s or doctoral degree with several years of professional experience
Have published academic papers, filed patents, or led research projects
Currently work in priority fields such as technology, healthcare, biotech, or energy
Seek to immigrate to the U.S. based on individual merit and contributions, without employer sponsorship
Contact us today for a free professional eligibility assessment. Let our team of immigration experts guide you on the most efficient and strategic path toward your U.S. green card through the EB-2 NIW program.
臣邑移民服務股份有限公司 | 註冊登記證第C0343號 | 品廣字第1140819號
EB-3C Green Card
U.S. Employment-Based Immigration for Unskilled and Other Skilled Workers
The EB-3C Green Card falls under the third preference category of the U.S. Employment-Based Immigration (EB-3) program. This subcategory is specifically designed for unskilled workers (jobs requiring less than two years of training or experience) and other skilled workers not classified under professional roles. It offers eligible foreign nationals the opportunity to obtain U.S. lawful permanent residency (Green Card) through full-time employment sponsored by a qualified U.S. employer.
This immigration pathway is particularly suitable for entry-level roles such as nursing aides, food service workers, construction laborers, farmhands, housekeepers, and factory operators. No advanced degree is required, making it one of the most accessible and stable legal immigration channels for those seeking employment-based entry into the United States.
EB-3C Green Card Requirements｜Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the EB-3C Green Card, applicants must meet the following essential conditions：
A Valid Job Offer from a U.S. Employer
The applicant must secure a full-time job offer from a U.S.-based employer for a position classified as unskilled or requiring minimal technical ability.
Employer-Sponsored Labor Certification (PERM)
The sponsoring employer must obtain a certified PERM Labor Certification from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). This process verifies that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the position and that hiring a foreign worker will not adversely affect wages or working conditions for U.S. employees.
The PERM process generally involves：
Publishing formal job advertisements
Conducting interviews and screening local candidates
Keeping detailed documentation of the recruitment process for DOL review
No Requirement for Higher Education or Professional Background
There is no need for a college degree, professional certification, or extensive work experience. However, certain positions may require basic training, physical ability, or prior exposure to similar tasks.
Compliance with U.S. Immigration Laws
Applicants must pass standard eligibility checks, including a clean criminal record, no history of unlawful U.S. presence, and successful completion of the immigration medical exam.
EB-3C Green Card Application Process｜Step-by-Step Guide
The EB-3C process is employer-driven and involves the following stages：
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Labor Certification (PERM) Application
The U.S. employer initiates the process by submitting a PERM application to the DOL. Processing times typically range from 6 to 12 months.
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Form I-140 Petition Filing
Once PERM is approved, the employer files Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), demonstrating the company’s financial capacity to pay the offered wage.
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Priority Date Waiting Period
Due to high demand for EB-3C visas, applicants must wait for their priority date to become current before proceeding to the final stage.
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Visa Issuance or Adjustment of Status
Applicants already in the U.S. (e.g., H-2B or F-1 visa holders) may file Form I-485 for Adjustment of Status.
Applicants outside the U.S. will undergo Consular Processing through a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country, including a visa interview.
EB-3C Job Categories｜Commonly Approved Occupations
Typical EB-3C-qualified roles include, but are not limited to：
Nursing Aide
Food Service Worker
Construction Worker
Farm Labourer
Factory Operator
Housekeeper / Maid
Warehouse Worker
Eligibility is evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with labor certification requirements.
Advantages of the EB-3C Green Card｜A Reliable Pathway to U.S. Immigration
No academic or professional qualifications required
Transparent and regulated employment-based immigration pathway
Ideal for entry- to mid-level workers seeking to immigrate with their families
Provides permanent resident benefits including work and residency rights
Eligible to include spouse and dependent children under 21 in the Green Card application
Who Should Consider the EB-3C Green Card？
This program is particularly well-suited for：
Individuals willing to perform physical or labor-intensive work with minimal English proficiency
Families seeking a steady and lawful pathway to permanent U.S. residency
H-2B visa holders seeking long-term immigration solutions
Foreign workers with U.S. employers open to sponsoring their immigration process
Free EB-3C Eligibility Assessment｜Let Our Experts Guide You
At CE Elite Immigration Services, our team brings extensive experience in handling employment-based U.S. immigration cases, including the complex EB-3C process. If you or your family are considering this route, contact us today for a free personalized consultation. We’ll assess your eligibility and help you design a tailored immigration strategy to achieve your American dream.
Disclaimer
The EB-3C immigration information provided on this page is compiled from publicly available resources of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). It is intended for general reference only and does not constitute any form of job placement, employment matching, or labor brokerage service.
CE ELITE Immigration Services Ltd. provides immigration planning and document assistance only. The actual processes of employer hiring, labor certification, and immigration visa applications must be carried out by duly authorized U.S. employers and licensed attorneys in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
臣邑移民服務股份有限公司 | 註冊登記證第C0343號 | 品廣字第1140819號