What is the difference between EB-1, EB-2 and EB-3 green cards?

EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 are employment-based preference categories for US permanent residency, each requiring different qualifications. EB-1 is for priority workers: persons of extraordinary ability in their field, outstanding professors or researchers, and certain multinational executives. EB-1 generally does not require a PERM labor certification and has the fastest processing.

EB-2 is for professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability. Most EB-2 petitions require a PERM labor certification showing no qualified US workers are available, unless the applicant files a National Interest Waiver (NIW), which allows self-petition without employer sponsorship or labor certification.

EB-3 covers skilled workers needing at least two years of training, professionals with bachelor's degrees, and unskilled workers. EB-3 typically requires PERM labor certification and employer sponsorship. Applicants from high-demand countries such as India and China face extremely long priority date backlogs in EB-2 and EB-3, sometimes exceeding a decade.

This is general information only, not legal advice. Consult a qualified immigration lawyer or registered migration agent for your specific situation.