What is the priority order among EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3?

Employment-based green card categories are organized by preference, and EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 occupy, in that order, the first, second, and third preference. This hierarchy reflects the profile each category is designed for and influences how petitions move through the queue.

In general, each category serves a distinct profile:

• EB-1 (first preference): extraordinary ability, outstanding professors and researchers, or multinational executives and managers.
• EB-2 (second preference): professionals with an advanced degree or exceptional ability who do not qualify under EB-1.
• EB-3 (third preference): skilled workers, professionals with a bachelor’s degree, and other workers.

The order matters because the preference level influences wait times and visa availability, both of which vary with demand and country of birth. It does not measure ‘quality’; rather, it indicates which profile each pathway was designed for.

Because eligibility rules and timelines change, it is worth checking updated requirements on the official source and discussing with a specialist which category best fits your profile.

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.