If you're hoping to live and work permanently in the United States, an employment-based green card might be your path forward. But with multiple categories available, one of the most common questions we hear is:

👉 What's the difference between the EB-2 and EB-3 green card categories, and which one is right for your situation?

Let's take a closer look at how they compare so you can decide which path fits your background and goals best.

🟦 What Are Employment-Based Green Cards?

The U.S. immigration system offers several green card categories for foreign nationals based on job offers or employment skills. EB-2 and EB-3 are two of the most common categories within employment-based immigration.

Both lead to lawful permanent residency (a green card), but the qualifications, timelines, and benefits differ.

🟩 What Is the EB-2 Green Card?

The EB-2 visa is for individuals with:

• An advanced degree (Master's or higher), or the equivalent (a Bachelor's + 5 years of progressive experience), OR

• Exceptional ability in science, business, or the arts
  
  

This category is often a great fit for professionals such as engineers, IT professionals, researchers, physicians, and business analysts.

📌 Bonus Tip: If your work benefits the U.S. national interest, you may be eligible for a National Interest Waiver (NIW)—which lets you self-petition without a job offer or labor certification.

🟨 What Is the EB-3 Green Card?

The EB-3 visa is available to:

• Skilled workers (jobs requiring 2+ years of experience)

• Professionals (those with a U.S. bachelor's degree or foreign equivalent)

• Unskilled workers (for jobs requiring less than 2 years of training)

This category is more inclusive than EB-2 and often used for positions in healthcare, construction, hospitality, and manufacturing.

⚖️ EB-2 vs. EB-3: Key Differences

📌 Important: The EB-3 backlog is typically longer than EB-2, especially for countries with high demand like India and China.

🕒 What's the Processing Time Like?

Processing times depend on several factors, including:

• Your country of birth

• The job offered

• USCIS and Department of Labor backlogs
  
  

As of 2025, EB-2 is moving more quickly than EB-3 for most countries.

🗓️ Tip: Check the Visa Bulletin to see which category has a faster priority date for your country.

🤔 Which Category Should You Choose?

Choosing between EB-2 and EB-3 depends on your:

• Education and experience

• Employer sponsorship

• Priority date and country of origin

• Whether you qualify for a National Interest Waiver
  
  

A professional assessment from an immigration attorney can help you decide the best path and avoid costly delays or rejections.

✅ How We Can Help

At World One Law Group, we guide professionals, employers, and families through the green card process with clarity and care.

Whether you're a tech specialist, nurse, researcher, or skilled tradesperson, we're here to help you get the right start in the U.S.

📞 Call: 425-250-8110
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Visit: www.world1law.com

Let's talk about your employment-based green card options today.

Your future in the U.S. starts with the right legal partner.