Is H-1B faster than EB-2 or EB-3?

Generally, yes, but the comparison is misleading because they solve different things. The H-1B is a nonimmigrant visa, meaning a temporary work authorization, while EB-2 and EB-3 are employment-based immigration categories that lead to permanent residence (green card). Comparing their speed is like comparing a fast start at work to a long-term residency project.

The H-1B tends to get the professional working sooner: once sponsored and selected when there is competition for slots, they can begin work within a relatively short period. On the other hand, it is a temporary status subject to its own requirements, including the lottery when demand exceeds the available slots.

EB-2 and EB-3, by contrast, are longer paths by nature because they involve more steps toward the green card:

• They typically go through a labor certification process.
• They involve immigration petitions and more extensive review.
• They may depend on visa availability, which creates backlogs based on country of birth.

In short, H-1B is the faster route to start working, while EB-2 and EB-3 are the choice for those focused on the long term. Since timelines vary and change frequently, it is worth checking the current situation with official sources and evaluating the best strategy with a specialist.

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.