Employment-based green cards require a job offer and often labor certification, while family-based depend on close U.S. relatives.

Priority dates and wait times may differ — employment categories can move faster for certain skilled roles.

Family-based cases often require a financial sponsor (Form I-864), while employment-based cases may not.

Employment-based green cards may allow for self-petition (e.g., EB-1A, EB-2 NIW), which is not possible in family-based categories.