EB-1 guide
Use this alongside the journey map for deeper category-specific context.
Employment-based green card
A general overview of the immigrant petition and final permanent-residence stages.
Before you start
Key decisions
- PERM-based route or a category that can avoid labor certification
- Employer petition or self-petition, such as EB-1A or NIW
- Adjustment of status in the United States or consular processing abroad
- When the priority date permits the final residence filing
What to prepare
- Eligibility evidence for the immigrant category
- PERM records if the route requires labor certification
- Form I-140 package
- Priority-date and Visa Bulletin records
- Medical exam and civil documents for the final stage
- Financial and employment evidence requested for the chosen route
Stage by stage
Identify the immigrant category
Review the applicable EB classification, eligibility standard and whether an employer or self-petition is permitted.
Employment categoriesPrepare the petition and any labor certification
The required evidence and labor-certification rules differ by category and available waiver.
Forms and instructionsFile the immigrant petition
Follow the current filing instructions and preserve the receipt and decision notices. Approval does not itself grant permanent residence.
Form I-140Check visa-number availability
For numerically limited categories, review the applicable Visa Bulletin chart and current USCIS filing guidance.
Visa BulletinUse adjustment of status or consular processing
The applicable route depends on location, eligibility and other requirements. Review medical, financial and identity documentation.
Adjustment of statusRespond to notices and await the decision
Attend required appointments and respond to official requests. Check case status and address changes through official systems.
Case statusReview the approval and resident obligations
Confirm the final decision and review the rights and responsibilities of permanent residence.
After approval
Common points to watch
- I-140 approval alone is not permanent residence
- The Visa Bulletin can control when the final stage may be filed or approved
- Adjustment applicants should understand the separate roles of EAD and advance parole
- Job changes, employer withdrawal and portability rules can matter after filing
- RFEs, interviews and medical validity can change the timing
Continue with TR Immigration
EB-2 and NIW guide
Use this alongside the journey map for deeper category-specific context.
Visa Bulletin Tracker
Use this alongside the journey map for deeper category-specific context.
Processing Times
Use this alongside the journey map for deeper category-specific context.
This roadmap is general educational guidance. A stage can be skipped, added or reordered depending on the category and individual facts. Always check the current form instructions, agency policy and official notices before filing.
Official starting source