Can the H-1B be a stepping stone to EB-2/EB-3?

Yes, the H-1B often works as a stepping stone toward a Green Card through the EB-2 or EB-3 categories. It does not grant permanent residence on its own, but it provides a stable work base in the United States from which many professionals begin, with employer support, the immigration process.

The key difference lies in the nature of each visa. The H-1B is a nonimmigrant visa: it authorizes temporary work in specialty occupations. The EB-2 and EB-3, on the other hand, are immigrant categories, meaning they lead to permanent residence through an employment-based petition.

• EB-2: intended for professionals with an advanced degree or exceptional ability in their field.
• EB-3: intended for professionals and skilled workers.

In practice, those on an H-1B with a willing sponsoring employer can begin the transition to a Green Card, which typically involves steps such as labor certification and meeting the requirements of the chosen category. The timeline and feasibility vary based on individual profile, occupation, and category availability, so there is no single or automatic path.

Because the process involves multiple steps and rules that change over time, it is worth checking updated requirements with USCIS and discussing your strategy with a specialist before relying on the H-1B as a bridge to permanent residence.

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.