The United States makes approximately 140,000 employment-based immigrant visas available each fiscal year, running from October 1 to September 30. These visas are divided into five preference categories for foreign workers, with certain spouses and children also eligible to accompany or follow to join the main applicant.

One person who can benefit from these visas is a skilled worker like Nneoma Nwosu, a Nigerian software engineer with a degree from the University of Lagos. She has been searching for a job in the US tech industry and is excited about the opportunity to live and work in the country.

Here are the five employment-based immigrant visa categories: 1. Employment First Preference (E1) — Priority Workers and Persons of Extraordinary Ability This category covers three groups: people with extraordinary ability in fields such as science, arts, education, business or athletics; outstanding professors and researchers; and multinational managers or executives. People with extraordinary ability do not need a specific job offer and can file their own Form I-140 petition, provided they are entering the US to continue working in their area of expertise.

2. Employment Second Preference (E2) — Advanced Degree Professionals and Persons of Exceptional Ability The E2 category is for professionals with advanced degrees and people with exceptional ability in the sciences, arts or business. Applicants generally need an approved labour certification and a job offer from a US employer. However, applicants may seek a National Interest Waiver, which can remove the job-offer and labour-certification requirements if the exemption is considered to be in the national interest of the United States.

3. Employment Third Preference (E3) — Skilled, Professional and Other Workers The E3 category covers three groups: skilled workers, professionals and other workers whose jobs require less than two years of training or experience. Skilled workers must have jobs requiring at least two years of training or work experience, while professionals must have at least a bachelor’s degree or its foreign equivalent.

4. Employment Fourth Preference (E4) — Certain Special Immigrants The E4 category is designed for certain special immigrants and includes a wide range of groups. These include broadcasters employed by the International Broadcasting Bureau, ministers of religion, certain former US government employees abroad, certain Iraqi and Afghan interpreters and translators, certain foreign medical graduates, special immigrant juveniles, certain religious workers and people who have served or are enlisted to serve in the US Armed Forces.

5. Employment Fifth Preference (E5) — Immigrant Investors The E5 category is for foreign investors who put capital into new commercial enterprises in the United States that provide job creation.

Nigerian citizens interested in applying for these visas can start by checking the eligibility requirements for each category and gathering the necessary documents, including a US employer's offer letter and proof of qualifications.

Key Facts:

  • 140,000 employment-based immigrant visas available each year
  • Five preference categories for foreign workers
  • Spouses and children of main applicants can also apply
  • Certain special immigrants, including broadcasters, ministers of religion, and former US government employees, are eligible for E4 visas
  • Foreign investors who create jobs in the US are eligible for E5 visas

It's worth noting that the application process can take several months to a year or more, and applicants must meet specific requirements for each category. However, for those who qualify, these visas can provide a pathway to permanent residency and a new life in the US. The US government allocates these visas to attract highly skilled workers who can contribute to the country's economy and growth.

For many Nigerians, the US is a dream destination for work, education, or personal growth. With these visas, they can now pursue their goals in the US and bring their skills and talents to the country's workforce. This can lead to better economic outcomes for both the US and Nigerian economies, as well as cultural exchange and understanding between the two countries.