💼 Work ImmigrationActive🇺🇸 United States
Employment-Based Immigrant Visa
The lawful employment route to permanent residence, relying on petitions, quota categories, and the roles of USCIS and DOS.
Processing time
12-36 months
Approximate cost
$1,200
Snapshot
Apr 10, 2026
Last verified
Apr 10, 2026
Eligibility
- Have a qualifying petition or offer under the right statutory category.
- Complete USCIS and NVC stages where applicable.
- Have an available visa number where the category is quota-controlled.
The route remains legally structured, but its practical utility for some Arabs is directly affected by the consular issuance pause effective January 21, 2026.
Nationality-Specific Rules
DZpaused
Immigrant visa issuance is paused for this nationality under a State Department notice.
Effective: Jan 21, 2026
EGpaused
Immigrant visa issuance is paused for this nationality under a State Department notice.
Effective: Jan 21, 2026
IQpaused
Immigrant visa issuance is paused for this nationality under a State Department notice.
Effective: Jan 21, 2026
JOpaused
Immigrant visa issuance is paused for this nationality under a State Department notice.
Effective: Jan 21, 2026
KWpaused
Immigrant visa issuance is paused for this nationality under a State Department notice.
Effective: Jan 21, 2026
LBpaused
Immigrant visa issuance is paused for this nationality under a State Department notice.
Effective: Jan 21, 2026
LYpaused
Immigrant visa issuance is paused for this nationality under a State Department notice.
Effective: Jan 21, 2026
MApaused
Immigrant visa issuance is paused for this nationality under a State Department notice.
Effective: Jan 21, 2026
SDpaused
Immigrant visa issuance is paused for this nationality under a State Department notice.
Effective: Jan 21, 2026
SYpaused
Immigrant visa issuance is paused for this nationality under a State Department notice.
Effective: Jan 21, 2026
TNpaused
Immigrant visa issuance is paused for this nationality under a State Department notice.
Effective: Jan 21, 2026
YEpaused
Immigrant visa issuance is paused for this nationality under a State Department notice.
Effective: Jan 21, 2026
Application Steps
1
Secure a job offer or sponsor
Start with a qualified employer or sponsor in the United States.
Estimated duration: 2 weeks
Confirm the entity is actually authorised to sponsor or employ under the route.
2
Prepare the official file
Gather the contract plus civil and financial documents required by the route.
Estimated duration: 2 weeks
3
File the formal application
Submit through the official portal, consulate, or sponsor according to the United States rules.
Estimated duration: 2 weeks
4
Visa or permit issuance
Track the decision and complete entry or residence-card formalities after approval.
Estimated duration: 4 weeks
Required Documents
- Valid passport
- Official application form
- Photos or biometrics as required
- Identity and civil status documents
- Qualifying offer or petition
- Professional-qualification evidence
- Complete civil file
- DS-260 or equivalent
Application Channels
Employer / petition sponsor
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
U.S. consulate
U.S. Department of State
Timing Notes
Timing varies by category, priority date, competent office, and consular conditions.
Relevant effective date: Jan 21, 2026
Risk Controls
- Use official portals only and avoid paying unverified intermediaries.
- Separate fixed government fees from proof-of-funds or income requirements.
- Prepare civil and police documents with translation and legalisation where needed before filing.
- Do not ignore the Visa Bulletin for quota-controlled categories.
Official Sources
Green card eligibility categories
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
guidance
Immigrant visa process
U.S. Department of State
guidance
Visa Bulletin
U.S. Department of State
tool
Immigrant visa processing updates
U.S. Department of State
notice
USCIS processing times tool
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
tool