How Do I Get a Green Card through Employment?

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Employment Authorization

U.S. employers must check to make sure all employees, regardless of citizenship or national origin, are allowed to work in the United States. If you are not a citizen or a lawful permanent resident, you may need to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to prove you may work in the United States.

USCIS issues Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) in the following categories:

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EAD: This document proves you are allowed to work in the United States.

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Renewal EAD: You cannot file for a renewal EAD more than 120 days before your original EAD expires.

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Replacement EAD: This document replaces a lost, stolen, or mutilated EAD. A replacement EAD also replaces an EAD that was issued with incorrect information, such as a misspelled name.

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Can an H-1B alien travel outside of the U.S?

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How long can an alien be in H-1B status?

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How Do I Apply Fo Immigrant Status Based On Employment?

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Is there an annual limit on the number of H-1B aliens?

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Must an H-1B alien be working at all times?

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What is a specialty occupation?

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What is an H-1B?

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Who can an H-1B alien work for?

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What if the alien's circumstances change?

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How Do I Get A Work Permit (Employment Authorization Document - EAD)?

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How Do I Get a Green Card through Employment?

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About Form I-9 and E-Verify

Answer 1

1.  The USCIS must approve an immigrant petition (application) that was filed for you, usually by an employer.

2.  In most employment categories (See EB-2 and EB-3 eligibility and filing information), a U.S. employer must complete a labor certification request (ETA 750) for you from the Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration.

3.  The State Department must give you an immigrant visa number, even if you are already in the United States. Please see How Do I Get an Immigrant Visa Number?.

4.  If you are already in the United States, you must apply to adjust to permanent resident status when a visa number becomes available.