Does the EB-4 have a longer backlog than the EB-1?

In many cases, yes, but this is not a fixed rule. The EB-4, which covers special immigrant categories with limited slots for specific groups, can build up a longer wait than the EB-1, which tends to move faster as a higher preference category. Even so, this fluctuates over time.

The length of the backlog for each category depends on factors that shift from period to period:

• The accumulated demand for the specific group within the EB-4.
• The availability of slots in that category.
• The applicant’s country of birth, due to per-country limits.
• The priority date of your petition.

As a result, depending on the moment and your profile, the EB-4 may be significantly slower than the EB-1, or it may not be. The current situation for each category is published periodically by the Visa Bulletin, issued by the U.S. Department of State, and by USCIS.

Because these timelines change frequently, it is worth consulting official sources and reviewing your case with a specialist before defining your strategy.

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.