Each preference category has its own set of background requirements for the person to qualify for the IV.

Employment First Preference (E1)

(Validity: 2 years)

This category is the highest preference order for the employment-based immigrant application. An existent guarantee of employment is not necessary. They essentially include:

• An individual with extraordinary ability in the field of arts, business, scientific discoveries or research, and educational system.
• An individual who qualifies as an extraordinary professor or researcher. Mandatory 3 years of experience in the relevant field with international recognition is a must.
• Any person with the status of a Multinational manager or executive. Compulsory employment proof for least one of the last 3 years by the overseas affiliate, subsidiary, or branch falling under the same US employer

Employment Second Preference (E2)

(Validity: 3 months to 5 years)

A person of advanced qualification or one who has an extraordinary ability falls under the second preference category. This preference needs a labor certification and also an existing job offer from a US-based employer. The sub-categories include:

• Advanced educational or qualification degree holding candidate. Mandatory 5 years of experience in the relevant field with a progressive contribution.
• Individual with a qualification or degree in the field of arts, science, or business studies, with the degree being a proof of extraordinary ability.