What Is an Employment-Based Green Card?
An employment-based Green Card grants permanent resident status in the U.S. to foreign nationals who qualify via their job, skills, or investment. It offers more stability than temporary visas and is often a path toward U.S. citizenship.
There are multiple categories under the employment-based system:
- EB-1: Priority workers (extraordinary ability, outstanding researchers, multinational executives)
- EB-2: Professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability (sometimes eligible for a National Interest Waiver)
- EB-3: Skilled workers, professionals, and other workers
- EB-4: Special immigrants (religious workers, certain broad groups)
- EB-5: Investor category, for those making significant qualified investments creating jobs
Depending on whether the applicant is already in the U.S. or abroad, the application flows differ (Adjustment of Status vs. Consular Processing).
Step-by-Step Process
If You Are Outside the U.S. (Consular Processing)
- Employer obtains Labor Certification (if required).
- Employer files Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition) on your behalf.
- After approval, your case is forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC).
- You submit visa application and supporting documents, pay relevant fees.
- Attend biometrics appointment (fingerprints, photos, signatures).
- Participate in an interview at a U.S. consulate.
- If approved, you may enter the U.S. and receive your Green Card.
If You Are Already in the U.S. (Adjustment of Status)
- Employer files Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition).
- Monitor the Visa Bulletin until your priority date becomes current.
- Submit Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) including supporting documents and fees.
- Biometrics appointment, background checks, and possibly U.S. citizenship interview.
- Approval grants you the Green Card, mailed to your U.S. address.
During the process, you may be eligible to continue working, depending on your current visa and work authorization status.
Common Questions & Considerations
- How long does it take? Timing varies by country of origin, visa category, processing backlogs, and whether consular or adjustment is used.
- What are the fees? Fees include I-140 filing, I-485 or consular processing, biometrics, medical exams, attorney fees, translation, and document costs.
- Can I change jobs during processing? It’s possible under certain rules (like AC21 portability), but you should consult an immigration attorney before doing so.
- Can family members come with me? Yes, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can often derive immigration benefits.
How Dogpay Helps with Cross-Border Payment & Financial Flows
Applying for a Green Card often entails many payments—filing fees, lawyer services, translation, courier, medical exams, etc.—which might involve cross-border or international suppliers. Dogpay can simplify these payment flows:
- Paying USCIS / Consular Fees from Abroad If your funds originate outside the U.S., Dogpay allows you to convert and send the necessary USD payments reliably and transparently.
- Lawyer / Attorney / Consultant Fees Immigration attorneys or service providers might operate in different countries. Dogpay enables you to pay them across borders while keeping accurate records.
- Translation, Medical, Courier & Document Service Costs Many service providers for these steps are abroad or charge in foreign currencies. Dogpay supports those payments securely.
- Automated Payments & Scheduling You can schedule necessary payments (where allowed) so you don’t miss critical deadlines.
- Receipts, Logs & Audit Trails Each Dogpay transaction includes a timestamped receipt and exportable log—valuable for evidence, audits, and tracking your application costs.
- Reduced Hidden Costs & FX Leakage Compared to traditional remittances, Dogpay reduces hidden exchange rate markups and intermediary bank fees, ensuring more of your funds reach the intended recipient.
