❓ Question:
I recently met Rafiq, an immigrant who moved to the USA on an H-1B visa. After working for a few years, he’s now exploring options to secure permanent residency. While talking to him, I realized how confusing the employment-based visa categories can be.
Could you explain the key differences among the following?
• EB-1 (extraordinary ability / outstanding researchers / executives) 🌟
• EB-2 (advanced degree / exceptional ability) 🎓
• EB-3 (skilled workers / professionals / other workers) 🔧
• H-1B (specialty occupation work visa) 💼
Rafiq wants to understand:
• Which category is easiest or fastest to obtain based on qualifications?
• Which option gives more stability and a shorter wait time toward a green card?
• How someone like him can transition from H-1B to EB categories smoothly?
2 Responses
I
Irteza Nur
Answered 28 days ago
User
Can anyone answer this for me?
Replies
A
Ashra Ash
Replied 28 days ago
User
📝 Answer:
Rafiq’s situation is very common, and the differences between these visa categories mainly depend on qualification level, demand, and processing time. Here’s a simple breakdown:
🌟 EB-1 – Fastest & Most Competitive
• For people with extraordinary ability, top researchers, or multinational managers.
• Pros: Fast processing, no labor certification, shortest backlog.
• Best for: Highly accomplished professionals.
🎓 EB-2 – Strong Option for Educated Professionals
• For those with Master’s degree+ or exceptional ability.
• Pros: Faster than EB-3 in many countries.
• Cons: Labor certification required (unless NIW).
• Best for: Skilled professionals with strong profiles.
🔧 EB-3 – Easiest to Qualify
• For skilled workers, professionals, or other workers.
• Pros: Broad eligibility.
• Cons: Longer waiting times, especially for high-demand countries.
💼 H-1B – Temporary Work Visa
• Not a green card—just allows working in the U.S.
• Often the first step before applying for EB-2 or EB-3.
⸻
⭐ For someone like Rafiq:
• If he has a Master’s degree + good career achievements, EB-2 (or EB-2 NIW) is ideal.
• If his employer supports him but his profile is moderate, EB-3 is safer.
• If he’s truly outstanding in his field, EB-1 offers the fastest green card.
N
Noor Alba
Answered 28 days ago
User
This is very helpful
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