EB-1 vs EB-2 vs EB-3: which US visa is right for you?
The three employment-based green card preferences. They differ on the bar (extraordinary ability vs advanced degree vs skilled worker) and, critically, on priority-date wait times.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | EB-1 Priority Worker Green Card (EB-1) | EB-2 Advanced Degree / NIW Green Card (EB-2) | EB-3 Skilled Worker Green Card (EB-3) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Permanent / PR | Permanent / PR | Permanent / PR |
| Who it's for | For priority workers: people of extraordinary ability, outstanding professors/researchers, and multinational managers. | For professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability, including those seeking a National Interest Waiver. | For skilled workers, professionals with a degree, and certain other (unskilled) workers with a US job offer. |
| Government cost | ~US$715 I-140 petition fee plus US$1,440 I-485 (or US$235 immigrant fee abroad) | ~US$715 I-140 fee plus US$1,440 I-485; PERM cases add employer labor-certification costs | ~US$715 I-140 fee plus US$1,440 I-485; employer pays PERM labor-certification costs |
| Processing time | ~8-18 months (faster if priority date is current; premium processing on I-140) | ~1-3 years including PERM (longer where priority dates are backlogged) | ~1-4 years including PERM (longer where priority dates are backlogged) |
| Length of stay | Permanent (green card) | Permanent (green card) | Permanent (green card) |
| Where to apply | Consular processing abroad or adjustment of status in the US | Consular processing abroad or adjustment of status in the US | Consular processing abroad or adjustment of status in the US |
| Work rights | Full work authorization as a permanent resident | Full work authorization as a permanent resident | Full work authorization as a permanent resident |
| Pathway to PR | Is itself a green card; leads to citizenship after 5 years as a permanent resident. | Is itself a green card; leads to citizenship after 5 years as a permanent resident. | Is itself a green card; leads to citizenship after 5 years as a permanent resident. |
Which is right for you?
EB-1 Priority Worker Green Card (EB-1)
For priority workers: people of extraordinary ability, outstanding professors/researchers, and multinational managers.
Full EB-1 guide →EB-2 Advanced Degree / NIW Green Card (EB-2)
For professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability, including those seeking a National Interest Waiver.
Full EB-2 guide →EB-3 Skilled Worker Green Card (EB-3)
For skilled workers, professionals with a degree, and certain other (unskilled) workers with a US job offer.
Full EB-3 guide →Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, EB-1 or EB-2 or EB-3?
On indicative 2025-26 government costs, EB-1 Priority Worker Green Card (EB-1) is the lowest at ~US$715 I-140 petition fee plus US$1,440 I-485 (or US$235 immigrant fee abroad). Government fees change periodically - confirm before applying.
Which is processed faster, EB-1 or EB-2 or EB-3?
Indicatively EB-2 Advanced Degree / NIW Green Card (EB-2) is the quickest at ~1-3 years including PERM (longer where priority dates are backlogged). Actual timeframes depend on caseload and how complete your application is.
Do all of these lead to permanent residence?
Yes. EB-1: Is itself a green card; leads to citizenship after 5 years as a permanent resident. EB-2: Is itself a green card; leads to citizenship after 5 years as a permanent resident. EB-3: Is itself a green card; leads to citizenship after 5 years as a permanent resident.
What's the main difference between EB-1 and EB-2 and EB-3?
EB-1 Priority Worker Green Card (EB-1) is for for priority workers: people of extraordinary ability, outstanding professors/researchers, and multinational managers. EB-2 Advanced Degree / NIW Green Card (EB-2) is for for professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability, including those seeking a National Interest Waiver. EB-3 Skilled Worker Green Card (EB-3) is for for skilled workers, professionals with a degree, and certain other (unskilled) workers with a US job offer.