EMPLOYMENT BASED
First Preference:
Extraordinary ability is defined as a level of expertise indicating that you are an individual who is one of that small percentage who has risen to the top of your field of endeavor. You should be recognized in the field of science, art, education, business or athletics, which must be substantially documented. Outstanding Professors or Researchers mean that you are recognized internationally as outstanding in an academic area, have at least 3 years experience in that area, and have the required offer of employment. Although no labor certification is required, you must get a letter from a U.S. university offering you a teaching or research position or from a private or non-profit employer offering you comparable research position. Multinational Manager or Executive means that you have been working in such capacity for one year out of the three years preceding the application and seeking employment in that capacity here in the U.S. No labor certification is required. You must have extensive credentials.
Second Preference:
Aliens of Exceptional Ability in the sciences, arts, or business. An alien will qualify for registration in this category if he or she has a specific offer of employment and is seeking to enter in the United States in his or her field and the entry of such alien will substantially benefit prospectively the national economy, cultural, or educational interests, or welfare of the United States. Exceptional Ability has been defined as something more than what is usual, ordinary, or common, and requires some rare or unusual talent, or unique or extraordinary ability in a calling which, of itself, requires that talent or skill. The possession of a degree, diploma, certificate, or similar award from a college, university, school, or other institution of learning or a license to practice, or certification for a particular profession or occupation, shall not, by itself, be considered sufficient evidence of such exceptional ability. Members of Professions Holding Advanced Degrees An alien will qualify in this category if they have a specific offer of employment and labor certification and if they have an advanced degree as shown by a masters degree or its equivalent in education and work experience.
Third Preference:
This category encompasses college graduates or skilled workers with two years minimum experience. Labor certification is required, which is currently known as the PERM process. The employer must conduct recruitment process and if the campaign did not produce any qualified individuals, then the labor certification is filed on behalf of the alien if the alien has the required experience and education.
Fourth Preference:
Designed for persons seeking reacquisition of citizenship/and returning resident and for religious workers. Requirements for religious workers:
A. Must be a member of a religious denomination having bona fide, non-profit, religious organization in the U.S., 2 years immediately preceding the application;
B. Must seek only to carry out vocation as a minister or if before October 1, 2008, must seek to work in a professional capacity in a religious vocation or occupancy or to work for an organization or affiliate in a religious vocation and occupation;
C. Must have been carrying on such vocation for two years. Voluntary service is excluded.