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💼 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.