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Is it better to file in eb2 or eb3?

Author

John Peck

Published Apr 17, 2026

EB2 and EB3 Visas. The EB-2 is a desirable permanent / green card visa because approval takes much less time than EB-3. However, it is scrutinized more closely. That's why it is even more critical you select an experienced immigration attorney.

Just so, which is better eb2 or eb3?

EB2 is a higher category than EB3. So wait times for EB3 will be higher than EB2. But the qualifications needed for EB3 are much lesser than EB2. Hance there are more applications and hence the wait times are higher.

Furthermore, is eb3 better than eb2 for India? The Date of Filing chart has been made available by USCIS for use starting Oct 2019. The EB3 India is ahead of EB2 in DOF chart and hence you can file the downgrade. You can get green card faster in the EB3 category is your EB3 PD date is current in EB3. This has happened with China in past and now with India.

Hereof, can we upgrade from eb3 to eb2?

For many EB3 visa applicants, the wait is unavoidable. Some employment-based immigrant visa applicants, however, may qualify to change to EB2, having obtained over time advanced degrees, additional job experience, and job offers that satisfy the requirements for EB2 filings.

Can I apply for eb2 and eb3 at the same time?

You can file two 140 at the same time if you have two approved LC. Also, EB2 or Eb3 depends upon job requirement.

Related Question Answers

How many years does it take to get a green card in eb3?

The EB3 Green Card processing time can most times be from a low of 1 to 3 years to very long wait times of 6 or more years. Since the EB3 visa has an annual visa cap, the EB3 processing time can be quite long. If you are within the yearly limit, then your visa may be processed within a few months.

How much does eb2 cost?

So this brings the total EB2 green card cost to $1,450 as a best-case scenario for someone simply changing their status. If you are outside the U.S., the green card total cost could be up to $2,243. Work with your immigration attorney to determine what the fees will be for your case.

How long will it take for eb2 Green Card?

After your priority date is current, you can submit your I-485, which will take around six months to process. Again, like the I-140, this depends on the caseload of your service center. All told, without premium processing, the total EB-2 processing time can range from a year and a half to several years.

What is eb3 category?

EB-3 is an visa preference category for United States employment-based permanent residency. It is intended for "skilled workers", "professionals", and "other workers". Those are prospective immigrants who don't qualify for the EB-1 or EB-2 preferences.

How many green cards are issued per year?

Every year, the U.S. government issues more than a million green cards. Most are given to family members of U.S. citizens and current green card holders, followed by workers from other countries seeking employment in the United States as the next biggest group of recipients.

What is eb3 priority date?

Priority date is your place in line for getting the green card. Your priority date is based on your country of birth and preference category (EB2, EB3 etc.). A current priority date means there is no waiting involved, and an immigrant visa number is available.

Is eb3 a green card?

EB3 Visa (Green Card) The EB3 Visa is a permanent residence US visa/Green Card for “Skilled, Professional, or Other Workers.” This employment-based visa is for those seeking to enter the United States to take up employment that requires either…

How long does it take to get green card in eb2 India?

For EB-2 Green Card submitted on November 15, 2004 is being processed for Indian Nationals ( born in India). That's about 10 years wait. But, in theory, it takes about 4 to 6 years.

Is eb3 faster than eb2?

Technically everyone from EB3 can and will upgrade to EB2. But EB3 India will get spillovers from ROW. That is why in FY 2017, EB3 got more green cards than EB2. So in the future, EB3 will start moving faster and people in the EB2 wait list might downgrade to EB3 as it will be faster.

Can we port from eb3 to eb1?

If you are eligible for EB1, file I-140 now. EB1 is always current in every VB . No need to port EB3 PD. For EB1, no need for Labor process; direct I-140 filing.

What is eb4 category green card?

EB4 Green Card is a Special Immigrant Category for Religious Workers. In order to qualify for an EB4 Green Card, you must be a member of a religious denomination that has a non-profit religious organization in the United States.

What is current priority date for eb2 India?

EB2 Priority Date Dec 2019 – Employment Based.

What is eb2 and eb3?

EB2 and EB3 Visas. EB2 and EB3 visas are permanent residency visas (green cards) for skilled professionals or academics. The EB-2 is a desirable permanent / green card visa because approval takes much less time than EB-3. However, it is scrutinized more closely.

Why is eb1 backlogged?

This unusual backlog is caused by the high number of applications and approvals in the EB-1 category in the past year. Because the EB-1 category enjoys top priority in the order of immigrant visa numbers, it will continue to be the fastest path for qualified employment-based applicants.

Why is eb3 not moving in India?

The dates are not moving because there is unanticipated filings (Porting applications might be) that are filed in EB3-I which is the reason for retrogression. CO is moving dates very cautiously and if as expected the FB SO will be applied to EB category's and EB3 should receive 450-500 additional visas this year.

Why is eb3 India moving fast?

Because EB2 ROW demand is high EB2 India will get no spillovers from there. But EB3 India will get spillovers from ROW. That is why in FY 2017, EB3 got more green cards than EB2. So in the future, EB3 will start moving faster and people in the EB2 wait list might downgrade to EB3 as it will be faster.

Will eb2 India move forward in 2020?

EB2: The EB2 China cutoff date may advance by one month each month. EB2 India may advance by about one week per month. EB3: Each month, EB3 China is expected to move forward by up to six weeks. The EB3 India cutoff date could advance by up to three weeks each month.

Is eb3 India moving fast?

The Date of Filing chart has been made available by USCIS for use starting Oct 2019. The EB3 India is ahead of EB2 in DOF chart and hence you can file the downgrade. You can get green card faster in the EB3 category is your EB3 PD date is current in EB3. This has happened with China in past and now with India.

Is eb1 current for India?

EB-1: All EB-1 countries except for China and India will advance by 2.5 months to October 1, 2018. China will advance by one week to May 22, 2017, while India will remain at January 1, 2015. The Philippines will become current, while all other countries will remain current.

When eb3 will become current?

Dates for Filing for EB-3 worldwide will retrogress to January 1, 2019, after being current in December.

How many eb3 India applications are pending?

Total Issued for EB3 India = 6,608.

What priority date is current now?

You can find your priority date on the I-797 form mailed by USCIS approving your I-130 petition. Current: In the context of the visa bulletin, “current” means no backlog and no wait time for a green card. A particular priority date becomes “current” once it reaches the front of the line and a green card is available.

How long does it take to get green card after I 140 approval?

The usual green card process involves three steps: Successful completion of the permanent labor certification on behalf of the foreign worker (referred to as the PERM process). This can take anywhere from six months to several years to complete. Obtaining approval of the I-140 petition on behalf of the foreign worker.

Can you apply for green card on OPT?

OPT to Green Card: How to Apply The process begins with the sponsor applying for a labor certification from the Department of Labor, and then submitting a Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) and potentially a Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) to allow a transition from F-1 OPT status.

What are the steps in GC processing?

These are the basic three stages of getting an employment-based green card (EB2 and EB3) in the US:
  1. Stage 1: PERM/Labor certification stage.
  2. Stage 2: I-140 immigration petition.
  3. Stage 3: I-485 Application to adjust status.

Can company file green card without h1b?

The employer can file for the green card without going through the H-1B but the green card process takes a long time and you will not be able to remain in the US and work for the employer without a H-1B if you just rely on the green card process.

What does I 140 approval mean?

Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker

What is perm?

Program Electronic Review Management (PERM) is the system used for obtaining Labor Certification and is the first step for certain foreign nationals in obtaining an employment-based immigrant visa (Green Card). This is also known as PERM Labor Certification.

How many eb2 applications are pending?

Indian EB-2 i485 make 97% of total pending applications USCIS has shared real data on currently PENDING Green card applications that have already filed i485 form as of July 2018. Number of people who have already filed their i-485 to adjust status to permanent resident.