Form I-140: Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker

Home » Document Resources » Forms » Form I-140

Form I-140 is a critical step in the U.S. employment-based immigration process. It allows U.S. employers to sponsor foreign professionals, skilled workers, and individuals with extraordinary abilities for permanent residency through employment-based visa categories (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3).
Whether you’re an employer managing the sponsorship process or a foreign national pursuing a Green Card, understanding Form I-140 is essential for success. This guide covers who qualifies, the required documents, employer obligations, and why certified translations play a key role.

Quick Navigation

 
 
 
 
 

What Is Form I-140 and Who Needs It?

Form I-140, the Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, is filed by a U.S. employer to sponsor a foreign national for lawful permanent residency. It is typically the second step in the employment-based Green Card process, following labor certification (if required).
 
Form I-140 applies to the following employment-based categories:
 
  • EB-1: Individuals with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors or researchers, and multinational executives
  • EB-2: Professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business
  • EB-3: Skilled workers, professionals, and other workers
In some cases—such as the National Interest Waiver (NIW)—the foreign worker may self-petition without an employer.
 

Employer Requirements for Filing Form I-140

Employers must meet specific criteria to file Form I-140:

 

Labor Certification (PERM)
Required for most EB-2 and all EB-3 cases, labor certification verifies that no qualified U.S. worker is available for the role. It must be approved by the Department of Labor.

 

Ability to Pay the Offered Wage
Employers must prove they can pay the offered wage from the priority date onward. Acceptable evidence includes:

 
  • Federal tax returns
  • Annual reports
  • Audited financial statements

Valid Job Offer and Employee Eligibility
The employer must show that the job requirements match the labor certification and that the worker possesses the necessary qualifications (degrees, experience, licenses, etc.).

 

Documents Required for a Form I-140 Petition

A complete Form I-140 petition typically includes:
 
Educational Documents:

Degrees, diplomas, academic transcripts, and U.S. equivalency evaluations if applicable

Work Experience Verification:

Letters from prior employers describing the applicant’s roles, duties, and dates of employment

Labor Certification (ETA Form 9089):
Required for EB-2 and EB-3 filings unless an exemption applies
 
Financial Evidence from the Employer:
Tax returns, payroll records, profit and loss statements, or W-2 forms showing the ability to pay
 
All non-English documents must be submitted with certified English translations in accordance with USCIS requirements.
 

Do I Need Certified Translations for Form I-140?

Yes. USCIS requires certified translations for any document not originally written in English. This includes:
 
  • Academic credentials from foreign institutions
  • Employer reference letters issued in another language
  • Foreign financial documents or audits
  • Labor contracts, government certificates, or licensing documentation
Each certified translation must:
 
  • Accurately reflect the original document
  • Include a signed certification statement from the translator
  • Be formatted to USCIS standards and be ready for digital or physical submission
Translations Certified provides fast, accurate, and fully compliant certified and notarized translations for all I-140-related documentation.
 

How Translations Certified Can Help with Your I-140 Application

We support both petitioning employers and foreign applicants by delivering translations that reduce processing errors and meet all federal requirements.
 
Our services include:
 
  • Certified Translations of degrees, work experience, licenses, and financials
  • Notarized Translations when requested by attorneys or required by USCIS
  • Fast Turnaround (24–48 hours) for urgent cases
  • Support in Over 100 Languages
  • Guaranteed USCIS Compliance
By choosing Translations Certified, you minimize your risk of delays, rejections, or requests for additional evidence.
 

Ready to Move Forward?

Request a free quote today and ensure your Form I-140 application is supported with accurate, compliant, and professionally translated documents.

References:

https://www.immigrationdirect.com/guides/form-i-140-petition-alien-worker/
https://www.uscis.gov/i-140

The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be legal advice. While we strive to ensure that the information is accurate and current, it is not a substitute for professional legal counsel. Please consult with a qualified attorney for advice regarding your specific situation or legal questions.

Explore Our Informational Pages on Immigration Forms

Form I-130

Form I-485

Form N-400

Form DS-160

Form DS-260

Form I-20

Form I-140

Form I-765

Form I-589

Form I-821D