EB1 vs EB2: Which Green Card processing time is faster?

Charles Wang
3 min readJul 4, 2023

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EB1 vs EB2: Which Green Card processing time is faster?

Are you considering applying for a Green Card EB1 or EB2 and wondering which one will take less time to process? You’re not alone. With the EB1 vs EB2 processing time being a major consideration for many applicants, we’ll be discussing the types of employment-based green card and which one is faster.

Here, we’ll be exploring the pros and cons of each option, as well as tips and tricks to help you navigate the Green Card EB1 vs EB2 processing time.

Understanding the Different Types of Employment-Based Green Cards

Employment-Based Green Cards, also known as EB Green Cards, are issued to foreign nationals who have job offers in the United States. These Green Cards allow foreign workers to live and work in the country permanently. There are different categories of EB Green Cards, and the processing time varies depending on the category.

The EB1 category is reserved for foreign nationals who have exceptional abilities in the arts, sciences, business, education, or athletics. This category also includes multinational executives and managers.

The EB1 processing time is typically shorter than the EB2 processing time, as these individuals are considered high-priority candidates.

On the other hand, the EB2 category is for foreign nationals who have advanced degrees or exceptional abilities in their field. This category includes individuals with advanced degrees in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields, as well as professionals with exceptional abilities in arts, sciences, or business.

The EB2 processing time may be longer than the EB1 processing time because the USCIS must determine if the candidate meets the requirements for the Green Card.

Processing Time for EB1 and EB2

Now that we have the basic understanding of the EB1 and EB2 categories, let’s take a look at their respective processing times.

EB1 Processing Time:

The EB1 category is considered to be the highest priority among employment-based green cards, which means it usually has a shorter processing time compared to other categories. On average, the EB1 processing time is around 6 to 8 months.

However, this can vary depending on the applicant’s country of origin and the current backlog of applications.

EB2 Processing Time:

The processing time for EB2 can take longer compared to EB1, but it is still a relatively shorter wait compared to other employment-based green card categories. On average, the EB2 processing time is around 8 to 10 months.

Similar to EB1, the processing time can vary based on the country of origin and the number of applications in the backlog.

It is important to note that the processing time can be affected by various factors such as USCIS workload, immigration policy changes, and individual application circumstances. Therefore, it is essential to keep track of the processing time for your specific case and stay informed of any changes in processing times.

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Charles Wang

Charles Wang is an online immigration service provider. We are not a law firm or a substitute for the advice of an attorney.