Is it easier to change from L-1 to EB-2 or EB-3?

There is no single answer: moving from L-1 to EB-2 or EB-3 is not a matter of which is always ‘easier’, but rather which aligns better with your professional and academic profile. That ease depends on your qualifications, the available documentation, and the employer sponsoring the petition.

The EB-2 is generally the path for those with an advanced academic degree or who can demonstrate exceptional ability in their field. The EB-3, on the other hand, covers skilled workers, professionals, and other workers, with generally lower academic requirements. In both cases, the process typically involves labor certification (PERM), with the possibility of a national interest waiver in specific EB-2 situations.

• EB-2: profile with an advanced degree or exceptional ability.
• EB-3: skilled workers and professionals, with lower academic requirements.
• Both typically go through labor certification.

Since the right choice depends on your education, experience, and current work, it is worth analyzing the fit with a specialist and checking the updated requirements for each category with USCIS.

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.