The following visas lead to permanent resident status (a “green card”). This status never expires, and after holding a green card for five years, a person may apply for US citizenship. For the categories requiring a job offer (most EB2 applications, all EB3 applications, and some EB1 applicants), the employer will have to show that it made a “bona fide” job offer to the US market, meaning it was prepared to offer the job to a qualified US worker. In the context of startups where founders and employees frequently hold equity in the company, it is important to note that holding substantial equity in the company can prevent showing a bona fide job offer. If your company hopes to sponsor a founder or employees for a green card under one of these categories, it is important to discuss the possibility with an immigration lawyer before preparing compensation packages that include substantial equity.
EB1 Green Card for Priority WorkersEB2 Green Card
EB3 Green Card
EB5 Investor Green Card