Rete

I thought that all work visas were non-immigrant visas. A holder of a work visa can only obtain a green card if the employer initiates the process. Otherwise the work visa holder cannot change status on their own.

Noorah101

There is an employment-based immigrant visa.

Rene

tom169

EB-1 through 5 is immigrant and so grants permanent residency.

Rete

I know, Rene and Tom. But they are work visas, not immigrant visas, and only become immigration visas if the employer is willing to make it such. The recipient does have the ability to immigrate on them only if the employer starts the process. The recipient cannot do it. Thus, it is classified as non-immigrant visas. Most will employers will sign something stating they will start the process for the employer after x number of months or years but they don't have to.

tom169

I think you're getting confused with H-1B, which is non immigrant, but can be adjusted status (if sponsored by employer).

This has a table of non-immigrant vs immigrant: https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/visa-directory/

fbf2006

Rete, there are non-immigrant (H1, L1, O1 and such) and immigrant (EB1-5) employment based visas. I think your confusion stems from the fact that most employers don't offer the immigrant employment based visa outright. Typically one has to work for the employer on a non-immigrant visa first. It is not mandatory though and one's employer can apply for any of the EB1-5 immigrant visas outright.