Is EB-1 faster than EB-2?

There is no single answer. EB-1 and EB-2 are different employment-based immigration categories, each with its own profile and criteria, and the timeline for each depends on factors that change over time.

EB-1, the first preference category, serves individuals with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors and researchers, and certain executives and managers. EB-2, the second preference category, focuses on professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability. Each category has its own queue, which moves according to demand and the applicant’s country of birth.

In some periods, EB-1 tends to move with less waiting time; in others, the picture may narrow or even reverse, especially for countries with high application volumes. In addition, the total timeline also depends on documentation preparation and the individual review of each case.

For that reason, rather than assuming a fixed scenario, consult official sources: the Visa Bulletin from the Department of State and the processing times tool at USCIS reflect the current picture for each category.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.