Green Card Through Employment in Oxnard: Complete Guide for Arab Professionals
Employment-based green card categories, PERM labor certification, and priority date strategies for Arab workers in Oxnard
Quick Answer
Oxnard, the largest city in Ventura County with a population exceeding 210,000, has a growing economy anchored by agriculture, technology, healthcare, and military industries at Naval Base Ventura County. The city's Arab professional community includes engineers, healthcare workers, IT specialists, and business owners who contribute significantly to the local economy. SoCal Immigration Services provides Arabic-speaking guidance to Oxnard professionals seeking permanent residency through employment-based green card categories.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
Oxnard, the largest city in Ventura County with a population exceeding 210,000, has a growing economy anchored by agriculture, technology, healthcare, and military industries at Naval Base Ventura County. The city's Arab professional community includes engineers, healthcare workers, IT specialists, and business owners who contribute significantly to the local economy. SoCal Immigration Services provides Arabic-speaking guidance to Oxnard professionals seeking permanent residency through employment-based green card categories.
Employment-Based Green Card Categories Explained
| Category | Who Qualifies | Annual Visa Limit | PERM Required? | Typical Wait Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EB-1A | Individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics | 40,040 | No | Current to 2 years |
| EB-1B | Outstanding professors and researchers with 3+ years of experience | Shared with EB-1 | No | Current to 2 years |
| EB-1C | Multinational managers/executives transferred to U.S. operations | Shared with EB-1 | No | Current to 2 years |
| EB-2 | Professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability; includes NIW | 40,040 | Yes (except NIW) | 2 to 5 years |
| EB-3 | Skilled workers (2+ years experience), professionals (bachelor's degree), other workers | 40,040 | Yes | 3 to 8 years |
| EB-4 | Special immigrants including religious workers, broadcasters, NATO employees | 9,940 | No | Varies |
| EB-5 | Investors who invest $1,050,000 ($800,000 in TEA) and create 10 jobs | 9,940 | No | 2 to 4 years |
The PERM Labor Certification Process
- 1Step 1: Obtain a Prevailing Wage Determination
The employer submits Form ETA-9141 to the Department of Labor's National Prevailing Wage Center (NPWC) to determine the minimum wage that must be offered for the position. Processing takes 6 to 8 months. The wage is based on the job's SOC code, geographic area, and required experience level.
- 2Step 2: Conduct Recruitment
The employer must conduct a specific recruitment campaign to test the U.S. labor market. Required steps include placing a job order with the State Workforce Agency for 30 days, running two Sunday newspaper advertisements, and posting an internal notice for 10 business days. Professional positions require three additional recruitment steps from a list of 10 options.
- 3Step 3: File the PERM Application (ETA-9089)
After completing recruitment with no qualified U.S. workers found, the employer files Form ETA-9089 electronically. The application includes the job requirements, offered wage, recruitment results, and the foreign worker's qualifications. Current processing time is 6 to 12 months.
- 4Step 4: Respond to Audit (If Selected)
Approximately 30% of PERM applications receive an audit from the Department of Labor. The employer must respond within 30 days with documentation proving compliance with recruitment requirements and wage regulations.
- 5Step 5: PERM Approval
Once approved, the PERM certification is valid for 180 days. The employer must file Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition) with USCIS within this window. The PERM approval date becomes your priority date.
EB-2 National Interest Waiver: Skipping PERM
To qualify for an NIW, you must demonstrate three elements under the Matter of Dhanasar framework: (1) your proposed endeavor has substantial merit and national importance, (2) you are well-positioned to advance the proposed endeavor, and (3) it would be beneficial to the United States to waive the job offer and labor certification requirements.
Arab professionals who commonly qualify for NIW include physicians serving underserved areas, STEM researchers, engineers working on infrastructure or energy projects, healthcare professionals addressing workforce shortages, and entrepreneurs creating jobs in economically significant industries. The NIW filing fee is $715 for Form I-140, and premium processing is available for an additional $2,805 to receive a decision within 45 business days.
- •No employer sponsorship required — you petition for yourself
- •No PERM labor certification needed — saves 12 to 18 months
- •No specific job offer required at the time of filing
- •Premium processing available for 45-business-day adjudication
- •Spouse and unmarried children under 21 included as derivatives
- •Can file I-485 concurrently if priority date is current
USCIS Filing Fees and Costs for Employment Green Cards
| Form/Service | Filing Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PERM (ETA-9089) | $0 (government fee) | Employer bears recruitment costs ($3,000-$10,000+) |
| I-140 Immigrant Petition | $715 | Paid by employer or employee depending on agreement |
| I-140 Premium Processing | $2,805 | Optional 45-business-day processing |
| I-485 Adjustment of Status | $1,440 (adult) | Includes biometrics; paid by applicant |
| I-485 (under age 14) | $950 | Reduced fee for children |
| I-765 EAD (with I-485) | $0 | Included with I-485 filing |
| I-131 Travel Document (with I-485) | $0 | Included with I-485 filing |
| Medical Exam (I-693) | $200-$500 | Varies by civil surgeon; not a USCIS fee |
Priority Date and Visa Bulletin Strategy
The monthly Visa Bulletin published by the U.S. Department of State shows which priority dates are currently eligible for processing. For applicants born in countries with high demand (India, China, Mexico, Philippines), wait times are significantly longer. Arab nationals born in most Middle Eastern and North African countries generally face shorter wait times because they fall under the "rest of world" category.
Oxnard professionals should monitor both the "Final Action Date" and "Dates for Filing" charts in the Visa Bulletin. The Dates for Filing chart often allows you to file I-485 earlier than the Final Action Date, giving you access to an EAD work permit and advance parole travel document while waiting for your green card.
- •Check the Visa Bulletin monthly at travel.state.gov for updated priority dates
- •Arab nationals from most countries benefit from "rest of world" processing times
- •File I-485 as soon as the Dates for Filing chart shows your priority date is current
- •Concurrent filing of I-140 and I-485 is available when priority dates are current
- •I-140 portability (AC21) allows job changes after I-485 has been pending 180+ days
- •Maintain valid H-1B or other nonimmigrant status as backup while I-485 is pending
Frequently Asked Questions About Employment Green Cards
- •Q: How long does the entire employment green card process take? A: The complete process from PERM filing to green card approval takes 2 to 5 years for EB-2 and 3 to 8 years for EB-3, depending on your country of birth and visa bulletin movement. EB-1 and NIW cases without PERM can be significantly faster.
- •Q: Can I change employers during the green card process? A: Before I-140 approval, changing employers typically requires restarting the process. After I-140 approval and I-485 pending for 180+ days, you can port to a new employer in a same or similar occupation under AC21 portability.
- •Q: Does my employer have to pay for the green card process? A: The employer must pay PERM recruitment costs and the PERM application is free. The I-140 fee can be paid by either party. The employee typically pays I-485 and related fees. Employers cannot require employees to repay PERM costs.
- •Q: Can my spouse work while my employment green card is pending? A: Yes. Once you file I-485, your spouse can file I-765 for an EAD work permit. H-4 spouses of H-1B holders with approved I-140s can also obtain H-4 EADs independently.
- •Q: What happens if I get laid off during the green card process? A: If your I-485 has been pending for 180+ days with an approved I-140, you can use AC21 portability to continue the process with a new employer in a same or similar occupation. If I-485 is pending less than 180 days, you need a new employer to file a new PERM and I-140.
- •Q: Is the EB-2 NIW a good option for engineers and healthcare professionals? A: Yes. Engineers working on infrastructure, energy, or technology projects and healthcare professionals serving shortage areas are strong NIW candidates. The key is demonstrating that your work has substantial merit and national importance.
Why Choose SoCal Immigration Services in Oxnard
- •Arabic-speaking staff who explain complex employment-based immigration processes in your language
- •Extensive experience with EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, and NIW petitions for Arab professionals in engineering, healthcare, IT, and business
- •Strategic priority date analysis to determine the fastest path to your green card
- •PERM labor certification guidance for employers sponsoring foreign workers
- •Concurrent I-140/I-485 filing strategy to maximize benefits during the wait
- •Serving Oxnard, Ventura, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, and all of Ventura County
- •Free initial consultation to evaluate your qualifications and recommend the best EB category
Contact SoCal Immigration Services
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:Which employment green card category is fastest?
A: EB-1A (extraordinary ability) and EB-1C (multinational manager) are typically the fastest because they do not require PERM labor certification and priority dates are often current for most countries. EB-2 NIW is also faster than standard EB-2 with PERM.
Q:Can I apply for an employment green card without an employer sponsor?
A: Yes, through the EB-1A extraordinary ability category or the EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW). Both allow self-petitioning without an employer sponsor or PERM labor certification.
Q:What is the difference between EB-2 and EB-3?
A: EB-2 requires an advanced degree (master's or higher) or a bachelor's degree with 5+ years of progressive experience. EB-3 requires a bachelor's degree (professionals), 2+ years of training or experience (skilled workers), or less than 2 years of experience (other workers). EB-2 generally has shorter wait times.
Q:How does the PERM audit process work?
A: If your PERM application is audited, the Department of Labor requests documentation proving the employer followed all recruitment and wage requirements. The employer must respond within 30 days with recruitment records, advertisements, and applicant evaluation documentation.
Start Your Employment Green Card Process Today
Our Arabic-speaking team in Oxnard guides Arab professionals through every step of the employment-based green card process, from PERM to permanent residency.