What is the difference between the EB2 and EB3?

General
1

What is the difference between the EB2 and EB3?

2

The main difference between EB-2 and EB-3 comes down to qualifications, processing time, and wait times.

  • EB-2 is for people with advanced degrees (master’s or higher) or “exceptional ability” in their field. It’s faster since it has higher priority, and you can even self-petition with a National Interest Waiver (NIW) (no employer needed).
  • EB-3 is for bachelor’s degree holders, skilled workers (2+ years experience), or even unskilled workers. It’s easier to qualify for but has longer wait times, especially for countries like India & China.
3

The EB2 and EB3 visas are both employment-based immigrant visas.

The EB-2 visa is for individuals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability in their field. To qualify under the advanced degree category, applicants must have a master’s degree or higher (or a foreign equivalent). A bachelor’s degree with at least five years of relevant work experience may also meet the requirement. Those applying under exceptional ability must demonstrate expertise beyond what is typically expected in their profession, which can be proven through awards, significant work experience, or other strong evidence. The National Interest Waiver (NIW) is another EB-2 category that allows individuals to bypass employer sponsorship if their work significantly benefits the United States, such as healthcare professionals serving in under-resourced areas.

The EB-3 visa is for professionals, skilled workers, and unskilled workers. Professionals must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (or its foreign equivalent). Skilled workers are required to have at least two years of relevant work experience, while unskilled workers have less than two years of experience in their field. The EB-3 category has a lower priority than EB-2, meaning longer processing times, but it provides an opportunity for a wider range of workers to secure employment-based immigration.

If you work in STEM, normally employers might help you apply for EB-2, but if you are a nurse, normally the agencies will help you applying for EB-3.

1 Like
4

EB2 and EB3 are both employment-based green card categories
Think of EB2 as “higher bar, potentially faster,” and EB3 as “broader access, possibly slower.”