A Complete Guide to the Different Types of US Visas
There are five different types of employment visas in the US. All of them can lead to a Green Card; the challenge is knowing which one is right for you.
This guide is part of our ultimate EB-5 visa guide. Here, we break down all of the US employment-based visa options, including requirements and costs, to help you decide which one is right for you.
What are US employment-based visas?
The United States has five types of employment-based visas (EB-1 to EB-5). These visas let foreign nationals get a Green Card through their skills, a job, or an investment. Each employment visa has its own requirements, processing time, and eligibility rules.
All US employment visas are primarily managed by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of Labor (DOL).
US employment visas: a quick comparison
| Visa type | Who it's for | Key requirement | Job offer | Processing time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EB-1 | Top talent | Extraordinary ability | Not always | Typically fast |
| EB-2 | Skilled professionals | Advanced degree | In most cases | Average |
| EB-3 | Workers | Job offer | Yes | Longer (due to demand) |
| EB-4 | Special immigrants | Specific eligibility | In most cases | Varies |
| EB-5 | Investors | $800k+ investment | No | Typically fast |
What is the EB-1 visa?
The EB-1 visa is for people with extraordinary ability, top researchers, and multinational executives. It is one of the fastest ways to get a Green Card, but the requirements are very strict.
Who qualifies for EB-1?
- People with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics
- Leading academic researchers and professors
- Senior managers and executives of multinational companies
Key benefits
- Faster processing times
- No Labor Certification (PERM) required in most cases
- Direct path to a US Green Card
What is the EB-2 visa?
The EB-2 visa is for professionals with advanced degrees or specialised skills in fields such as science. Usually, you need a job offer for this visa, unless you apply with a National Interest Waiver (NIW).
Who qualifies for EB-2?
- People with a master's degree or higher
- Professionals with exceptional ability
- People eligible for a National Interest Waiver (NIW)
Key benefits
- Ideal for skilled professionals
- It offers a good option for highly educated people
- With the National Interest Waiver, you may not need a job offer from an employer in some situations
What is the EB-3 visa?
The EB-3 visa is an employment-based immigration visa for skilled workers, professionals, and unskilled workers. EB-3 visa holders can live and work permanently in the United States.
Who qualifies for EB-3?
- Skilled workers with at least two years of experience or training
- Professionals with at least a bachelor's degree
- Unskilled workers with less than two years of experience or training
Key benefits
- It is easier to qualify for than the EB-1 and EB-2 visas
- The costs are usually lower compared to other visa options
Requirements
- A job offer from a US employer
- A PERM Labor Certificate from the Department of Labor
Related article: EB-3 visa jobs.
What is the EB-4 visa?
The EB-4 visa is for 'special immigrants' who meet certain unique eligibility criteria. Most people cannot apply for the EB-4, but it is important for some specific groups.
Who qualifies for EB-4?
- Religious workers
- Certain broadcasters
- Certain US government employees
Key benefits
- It provides a pathway for some specialised occupations.
- Direct route to permanent residency
What is the EB-5 visa?
The EB-5 is essentially the US equivalent of a golden visa. It's an investment-based visa that gives you permanent residency if you make an investment and create full-time jobs for US workers.
The EB-5 visa has several advantages over other types. For many people, it is one of the fastest ways to get a US Green Card.
Who qualifies for EB-5?
- Foreign investors
- The investor's spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21
Key benefits
- No job offer needed
- It provides a flexible way to get a US Green Card
- Family members can be included in the application
Requirements
- Invest at least $800,000
- Create at least 10 full-time jobs for US workers
- Be able to prove that investment funds came from a lawful source
Comparing US employment visas: costs and speed
Costs and processing times are often the main factors for people seeking a Green Card through a US employment visa.
EB-1
Costs: Moderate legal and application fees
Processing times: Typically faster due to priority status
EB-2
Costs: Moderate legal and application fees
Processing times: Average, but it depends on factors such as backlogs
EB-3
Costs: Lower overall costs compared to EB-5
Processing times: Often longer due to demand
EB-4
Costs: Moderate fees to cover petitions and processing costs
Processing times: Can vary significantly
EB-5
Costs: Higher (minimum investment of $800,000)
Processing times: Typically faster
Keep in mind that processing times depend on demand, visa type, and your country of origin. For example, applicants from countries like India and China may wait over 10 years for the EB-3 visa.
Which US employment visa is right for you?
With five types of employment visas, finding the right one can feel complicated. In the end, your choice will depend on your qualifications, work experience, budget, and goals.
- Choose the EB-1 if you: have exceptional achievements or global recognition, or are a leading academic in your field
- Choose the EB-2 if you: have an advanced degree or specialised expertise, or qualify for a National Interest Waiver
- Choose the EB-3 if you: have a job offer from a US employer, or want a more accessible pathway
- Choose the EB-4 if you: qualify under the list of specialised occupations
- Choose the EB-5 if you: want a flexible route that doesn't rely on employer sponsorship, or want one of the fastest routes to a US Green Card
Need help choosing the right US visa type?
Choosing the right US visa type can be complex, especially when you need to balance timelines, costs, and eligibility requirements.
If you are unsure which option is best for you, talk to one of our experts. We can help you make a confident, informed decision and avoid costly mistakes.
Holborn Pass is a global leader in investor visas. We specialise in US employment visas and can help you find the right fit and support you through the application process.
Contact our team today to learn how we can help.