What green card categories does IBM use — EB-2 or EB-3?

IBM most commonly sponsors EB-2 (for roles requiring an advanced degree or a bachelor's plus 5 years of progressive experience) and EB-3 (for professional roles requiring a bachelor's degree). The category is determined by the job's minimum requirements, not by your personal qualifications.

How long does the IBM green card process take?

At IBM, the PERM stage (prevailing wage + recruitment + filing) typically takes 8–14 months, followed by I-140 (premium processing available, ~15 days). The final I-485/green card timeline then depends on your priority date and country of birth — applicants born in India or China may wait several additional years due to per-country limits.

Does IBM start the green card before or after H-1B?

IBM generally hires on H-1B (or other work status) first, then initiates PERM after you have been employed for a period — often around the first year. Confirm the company's specific green card policy and timeline commitment in writing during your offer negotiation.

Who pays for the green card at IBM?

By law, the employer must pay all PERM-related costs (advertising, attorney fees for the PERM step). IBM typically also covers I-140 fees; I-485/adjustment-of-status costs are sometimes shared or employee-paid. Get the fee breakdown confirmed in writing as part of your offer.

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Does IBM Sponsor Green Cards (PERM / EB-2 / EB-3)?

Q: Does IBM sponsor green cards?

Yes. IBM (Technology & Consulting) is an active employment-based green card sponsor, filing approximately 2,000 PERM labor certifications per year with the US Department of Labor in recent fiscal years. Most sponsored employees move from H-1B status to a green card through the PERM → I-140 → I-485 process.

Yes — approximately 2,000 PERM filings per year · EB-2 & EB-3 pathways · H-1B to green card supported

2,000+

PERM Filings/yr

EB-2 / EB-3

Categories Used

8–14 mo

Typical PERM Stage

IBM Green Card Sponsorship Overview

IBM (Technology & Consulting) sponsors employment-based green cards, filing approximately 2,000 PERM labor certifications per year with the US Department of Labor in recent fiscal years. Most sponsored employees transition from H-1B to permanent residence through the standard three-step process: PERM (labor certification) → I-140 (immigrant petition) → I-485 (adjustment of status) or consular processing.

Figures are approximate and based on public DOL disclosure data. Confirm IBM's current green card policy, timeline commitment, and fee coverage in writing during your offer.

The PERM Green Card Process at IBM

Prevailing wage determination (PWD): IBM requests the DOL prevailing wage for your role and location (~4–6 months).
Recruitment: Required test of the US labor market (job ads, ~60+ days) to confirm no qualified US worker is available.
PERM filing (ETA-9089): Filed with DOL; certification currently takes several months and may be audited.
I-140 petition: Filed with USCIS after PERM is certified; premium processing yields a decision in ~15 business days.
I-485 / green card: Filed when your priority date is current. Wait times depend on category and country of birth.

EB-2 vs EB-3 at IBM

EB-2

Roles requiring an advanced degree (master's+) or a bachelor's plus 5 years of progressive experience. Common for senior engineering, science, and analytics roles.

EB-3

Professional roles requiring a bachelor's degree. The category is set by the job's minimum requirements — not your personal qualifications.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Priya Sharma, Immigration Specialist

Immigration specialist with 10+ years advising H-1B and green card applicants. Information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

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