When it comes to immigrating to the United States, the most frequently mentioned categories are EB1, EB2, EB3, EB4, and EB5. However, many people often do not know how to distinguish between these categories of the EB family. Below, we will compare the differences between several programs:
1. Comparison of Priority Levels
EB, which stands for Employment-Based, refers to employment-based immigration, with numbers 1 to 5 indicating different categories of priority levels.
The first priority EB1 includes three subcategories:
EB1—A Extraordinary Ability, EB1—B Outstanding Professors or Researchers, EB1—C Multinational Managers or Executives
The characteristic of the first priority is that it does not require proof of labor shortage, immigration quotas are abundant, but it requires significant achievements or abilities from the beneficiary.
The second priority EB2 includes two subcategories:
National Interest Waiver (NIW)
Regular EB2 Labor Certification (PERM)
NIW does not require a job offer, does not require proof of labor shortage, and does not require employer support.
For regular EB2, the employer must prove labor shortage. The job offered by the employer should require at least a master's degree or a bachelor's degree plus five years of work experience.
The third priority EB3 includes two subcategories:
Positions requiring a bachelor's degree or at least two years of skilled experience fall into one subcategory.
Positions that do not require educational skills fall into another subcategory.
The fourth priority EB4:
Religious Worker Visa
This requires the involvement of a church organization. The beneficiary should serve in the ministry of the church.
The fifth priority EB5:
Investment Immigration
Must meet three conditions:
1. Invest one million dollars or five hundred thousand dollars into a commercial entity in the United States;
2. Create or preserve 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers;
3. The invested funds must be proven to have a lawful source.
2. Comparison of Waiting Times
Employment-based immigration categories have fixed quotas. When demand exceeds supply, waiting times will occur.
EB1: No waiting time globally.
EB2: There are severe waiting times for individuals born in China and India, but no waiting time for individuals born in other countries.
EB3: The waiting time is relatively long, requiring about 4 years.
EB4: No waiting time globally.
EB5: The waiting time is about 2 years.