Complete Guide to Employment-Based Green Cards
Your step-by-step roadmap from finding sponsoring employers to receiving your green card, with expert guidance at every stage.
🚀 The Earlier You Start, The Sooner You Can Receive Your Green Card
Securing an employment-based green card involves multiple phases. At Immigrow, we simplify the process by guiding you through each step:
1Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Find Potential Employers
Browse our database of companies with history of sponsoring green cards
Pro Tips:
- Use our filters to find employers in your industry and location
- Focus on companies with history of sponsoring your visa category
- Research company culture and benefits before applying
- Save your favorite employers to your profile
Step 2: Reach Out with AI-Generated Emails
Use our AI to create personalized outreach emails to potential employers
Pro Tips:
- Customize email templates to highlight your specific skills and experience
- Use attention-grabbing subject lines generated by our AI
- Attach your resume formatted for U.S. employers
- Follow up after 1-2 weeks if you don't receive a response
Step 3: Interview and Job Offer
Schedule interviews with interested employers and secure a job offer
Pro Tips:
- Prepare for your video interview using our practice questions
- Research typical salaries for your position in that location
- Discuss green card sponsorship directly during later interview rounds
- Evaluate the job offer carefully - consider benefits, not just salary
Step 4: Accept Offer and Consult Attorney
Accept your job offer and connect with an immigration attorney for the next steps
Pro Tips:
- Get the job offer in writing with explicit mention of green card sponsorship
- Find an experienced immigration attorney (we can recommend specialists)
- Have the attorney review your employment contract
- Discuss timeline and cost expectations for the green card process
Step 5: PERM Labor Certification
Your employer must prove no qualified U.S. workers are available for the position
Pro Tips:
- Timeline: 8-12 months for DOL processing
- Employer must advertise position in multiple channels for 30+ days
- Prepare documentation of your qualifications and experience
- Be patient - this is typically the longest part of the process
Step 6: I-140 Petition Filing
Employer submits petition to establish your eligibility for the green card
Pro Tips:
- Premium processing available (15 days) for additional fee
- Your priority date is established when I-140 is filed
- Keep copies of all supporting documents
- Approval doesn't guarantee immediate green card - must wait for priority date to become current
Step 7: Final Green Card Process
Complete the process through Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing
Pro Tips:
- If in U.S.: File I-485 for Adjustment of Status
- If outside U.S.: Complete Consular Processing
- AOS allows application for work permit (EAD) and travel document (AP)
- Medical exam and biometrics required
- Be prepared for potential requests for evidence (RFEs)
2Immigrow Platform Features
Our comprehensive platform provides all the tools you need to streamline your journey from job search to green card approval:
3Critical Expert Insights & Tips
These insider tips can significantly optimize your green card journey and help you avoid common pitfalls:
🏆 Aim for the Highest Eligible Category
Higher categories (EB-1 > EB-2 > EB-3 Skilled > EB-3 Unskilled) have faster processing times and less backlog. EB-1 is for individuals with extraordinary abilities, outstanding professors/researchers, and multinational executives. EB-2 is for advanced degree holders or exceptional ability. EB-3 is for skilled workers (at least 2 years of experience) and unskilled workers (no experience required).
⏱️ Master the PERM Labor Certification
For EB-2 and EB-3, PERM involves: 1) Prevailing Wage Determination, 2) Recruitment to show no qualified U.S. workers are available, and 3) Filing ETA Form 9089. This process can take 8-12 months to complete.
📅 Monitor Priority Dates Vigilantly
Your priority date is established when labor certification is filed (EB-2/EB-3) or I-140 is filed (EB-1). Check the monthly Visa Bulletin to track when you can file for adjustment of status or proceed with consular processing.
💼 Consider National Interest Waiver (NIW)
The NIW allows EB-2 applicants to bypass PERM if they demonstrate their work is in the national interest of the U.S. Particularly valuable for those in STEM fields, healthcare, and other high-impact areas.
🚀 Utilize Premium Processing
Premium processing expedites I-140 adjudication to 15 calendar days for an additional fee (currently $2,500). This doesn't speed up PERM or I-485, but can significantly reduce overall wait time.
🛂 Choose the Right Processing Path
If you're in the U.S. on a valid visa, Adjustment of Status (I-485) allows you to remain in the U.S. with work/travel permits while waiting. If outside the U.S., Consular Processing requires attending an interview at a U.S. embassy abroad.
✉️ Timing Your Employer Outreach
Send emails to potential employers on Tuesday or Wednesday mornings when hiring managers are most likely to check their inbox and respond. Avoid Mondays (too busy) and Fridays (weekend mindset).
🔄 AC21 Job Portability
After I-140 approval and 180 days of pending I-485, you may change employers under AC21 provisions if the new job is in the same or similar occupational classification as the original position.
Stay Informed and Seek Professional Guidance
Immigration laws and policies change frequently. Stay updated by regularly reviewing official resources like the USCIS website and consult with an experienced immigration attorney for personalized guidance.
4Success Stories
Green Card Filed 10 Months After Starting Process 🎉
"The company I worked for is Dietz & Watson Inc. in Baltimore, Maryland as a production worker — no prior experience required. 10 months after the process started (the job offer), my EB-3 green card application was filed. Three months later, I received my work permit and travel document."
EB-3 Path to Permanent Residence
"As a registered nurse, I connected with a hospital using Immigrow's email templates. After PERM approval, I monitored my priority date through the Visa Bulletin. When it became current, I filed for Adjustment of Status and received my EAD/AP combo card while waiting. I'm now a proud permanent resident!"
Ready to Start Your Green Card Journey?
No matter where you are in the process, Immigrow has the tools and resources to help you succeed. Choose your next step:
Just Starting Out?
Browse our database of employers with sponsorship history and find your ideal match.
Find Sponsoring EmployersReady to Reach Out?
Use our AI to create personalized outreach emails that get responses from potential employers.
Create Professional EmailsNeed Expert Guidance?
Book a consultation with our immigration experts for personalized advice on your situation.
Schedule Free ConsultationAlready have a job offer or in the middle of the process?
Connect with Immigration Attorneys