When looking for a path to U.S. permanent residency, employment-based green cards are a top option to consider. Among employment-based green card categories, EB1, EB2, and EB3 are the most commonly compared. These three visa categories have their unique requirements, processing times, and advantages.
This guide breaks down these visa categories so you can understand their differences, including eligibility, costs, and processing times. It will help you decide which one might be the best route to a U.S. Green Card.
Understanding Employment-Based (EB) Green Cards
Employment-Based Green Cards grant lawful permanent residency in the U.S., allowing you to:
- Live and work anywhere in the country
- Bring your spouse and unmarried children under 21
- Apply for U.S. citizenship after five years
There are five EB preference categories, but the majority of applicants fall into EB-1, EB-2, or EB-3. Let’s examine them.
EB-1 Visa: For the Top of the Top
The EB1 visa vs EB2 debate starts with prestige. EB-1 is for individuals who have reached the top of their field, such as award-winning scientists, renowned professors, or high-ranking multinational executives.
EB-1 Eligibility
- EB-1A: Extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics
- EB-1B: Outstanding professors and researchers with at least three years of experience
- EB-1C: Multinational executives or managers who worked abroad in that role for at least one of the last three years
EB-1 Advantages
- No PERM labor certification required
- Faster processing times than EB-2 and EB-3
- Allows self-petitioning for EB-1A applicants
Challenge
- High eligibility bar: Applicants must prove national or international recognition
EB-2 Visa: For Advanced Degrees or Exceptional Ability
The EB-2 category sits in the middle when comparing EB1 vs EB2 vs EB3. It’s for professionals with advanced degrees or individuals with exceptional ability in their field.
EB-2 Eligibility
- EB-2A: Advanced degree (master’s or higher)
- EB-2B: Exceptional ability in sciences, arts, or business
- EB-2C: National Interest Waiver (NIW), which allows self-petitioning without an employer if your work benefits the U.S.
EB-2 Advantages
- Lower eligibility bar than EB-1
- The NIW option removes the employer sponsorship requirement
Challenges
- PERM labor certification required unless applying via NIW
- Processing can take longer than EB-1
EB-3 Visa: For Skilled, Professional, and Other Workers
In the EB3 vs EB2 vs EB1 comparison, EB-3 is the most flexible but usually the slowest in terms of processing.
EB-3 Eligibility
- EB-3A: Skilled workers with at least two years of training or experience
- EB-3B: Professionals with a U.S. bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent
- EB-3C: Unskilled workers with less than two years of training or experience
EB-3 Advantages
- Least strict eligibility requirements
- Opens opportunities for a broad range of workers
Challenges
- Longest processing times due to large backlogs
- Employer sponsorship and PERM labor certification required
EB1 vs EB2 vs EB3: Comparison Table
| EB-1 | EB-2 | EB-3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Extraordinary ability, outstanding professors/researchers, multinational executives/managers | Advanced degree or exceptional ability | Skilled workers, professionals, or unskilled workers |
| PERM Labor Certification | Not required | Required (unless NIW) | Required |
| Employer Sponsorship | Only for EB-1B and EB-1C | Required (unless NIW) | Required |
| Self-Petition Option | Yes (EB-1A) | Yes (NIW) | No |
| Processing Time | Fastest | Moderate | Longest |
| Cost | Similar filing fees; possible extra costs for premium processing | Similar to EB-1 | Similar to EB-1 and EB-2 |
| Difficulty Level | Very high | Moderate | Low |
| Best For | Top-tier experts and executives | Highly skilled professionals | Skilled and unskilled workers |
EB1 vs EB2 Processing Time
When comparing EB1 vs EB2 processing time, EB-1 is generally faster because it has current priority dates, meaning there’s no long backlog before you can apply for adjustment of status or consular processing. EB-2 processing time can vary widely, especially for applicants from countries with high demand.
For EB1 vs EB2 vs EB3 processing time, EB-3 usually has the longest wait due to the number of applications and limited visa availability.
EB1 vs EB2 vs EB3 Requirements
- EB-1: Requires proof of top-tier recognition, such as major awards, publications, or leadership in your field.
- EB-2: Requires an advanced degree or proof of exceptional ability, plus PERM unless applying under NIW.
- EB-3: Requires meeting basic job skills or education requirements and employer sponsorship.
EB1 vs EB2 Cost
The filing fees for the visa categories are similar. USCIS filing fees for Form I-140 are the same, and both categories may require additional costs, such as premium processing. Also, keep in mind extra costs like attorney fees. The main cost difference is often in the time and effort needed to meet eligibility. EB-1 may require assembling substantial evidence, while EB-2 may involve a lengthy and costly PERM process.
Choosing Between EB1, EB2, and EB3
There is no top pick between EB2 vs EB1 vs EB3. Your choice depends on your qualifications, career stage, and how quickly you want to move to the U.S.
- Choose EB-1 if you are at the top of your field and can prove extraordinary achievement.
- Choose EB-2 if you have an advanced degree or exceptional ability, and especially if you qualify for NIW, to avoid the PERM process.
- Choose EB-3 if your skills or education fit the category but you don’t meet EB-1 or EB-2 requirements.
Seek Professional Legal Advice
When comparing EB3 vs EB2 vs EB1 visas, the key is to assess your profile. Factors like eligibility, processing time, and labor certification requirements will determine the ideal path for you.
At ImmigrationQuestion.com, we connect immigrants with licensed immigration attorneys who can help with EB visa applications, enabling them to make informed decisions.
Need help deciding the EB visa category that fits your situation? Visit ImmigrationQuestion.com today.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between EB1 vs EB2 vs EB3?
The difference is eligibility. EB-1 is for individuals with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors/researchers, or multinational executives. EB-2 is for advanced degree holders or those with exceptional ability, while EB-3 is for skilled, professional, and unskilled workers. Processing times and requirements also vary.
2. Which is faster: EB1 vs EB2 processing time?
EB-1 is often faster because it usually has current priority dates and doesn’t require PERM labor certification. EB-2 can take longer due to the labor certification process and visa backlogs.
3. Do EB-1 and EB-2 visas cost the same?
The EB1 vs EB2 cost is essentially the same in terms of USCIS filing fees. The main cost difference has to do with preparation. EB-1 often requires extensive evidence gathering, while EB-2 may involve the time and expense of the PERM process unless applying under NIW.
4. Which is easier to get: EB-2 vs EB-1 visa?
EB-2 might be easier to qualify for because it has a lower eligibility threshold compared to EB-1’s strict standards for extraordinary ability and international recognition. However, EB-2 may have longer wait times.
5. Can I apply for EB-2 without an employer?
Through the National Interest Waiver (NIW), you can apply for EB-2 without employer sponsorship if your work benefits the U.S. and meets NIW criteria.
6. Does EB-1 require a job offer?
Not always. EB-1A applicants can self-petition without an employer, while EB-1B and EB-1C require employer sponsorship.
7. Which visa is best for me: EB1 vs EB2 vs EB3?
It depends on your qualifications and achievements. EB-1 is best for top experts, EB-2 for highly skilled professionals, and EB-3 for skilled or unskilled workers with U.S. job offers.
