When you’re planning to move to the United States for work, choosing the right visa is very important. Two of the most common options are the H-1B visa and the EB-3 visa. While they both allow foreign nationals to live and work in the U.S., they are very different in how they work, who qualifies, and what you get in the end.
In this simple guide, we’ll break down the main differences between the H-1B and EB-3 visas to help you choose the one that fits your situation best in 2025.
What Is the H-1B Visa?
The H-1B visa is a temporary work visa for foreign workers in specialty occupations. It is usually valid for 3 years and can be extended up to 6 years. A U.S. employer must sponsor you for this visa.
To qualify, you need:
- A bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field
- A job offer from a U.S. employer
- Your job must require specialized knowledge (like tech, engineering, medicine, etc.)
What Is the EB-3 Visa?
The EB-3 visa is a permanent resident visa, also called a green card, for three types of workers:
- Skilled Workers – jobs that require at least 2 years of training or experience
- Professionals – jobs that need a U.S. bachelor’s degree or its foreign equivalent
- Unskilled Workers – jobs that require less than 2 years of training or experience (like caregiving, factory work, or housekeeping)
It gives you a direct path to permanent residency in the U.S. A U.S. employer must also sponsor you.
Key Differences Between H-1B and EB-3 Visas
| Factor | H-1B Visa | EB-3 Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Temporary (non-immigrant) | Permanent (immigrant green card) |
| Duration | 3 years (extendable to 6) | Green card – Permanent |
| Who Qualifies | Degree holders in specialty occupations | Skilled, professional, and unskilled workers |
| Sponsorship Needed | Yes – Employer must file for you | Yes – Employer must file PERM & I-140 |
| Visa Cap | Yes – 85,000/year (lottery system) | No strict cap, but backlogs exist |
| Processing Time | Faster – Few months if selected | Slower – Often 1 to 3 years |
| Green Card Option | Yes, but must apply separately later | Yes – Built-in green card |
| Popular Jobs | Tech, engineering, finance | Nursing, caregiving, factory, trucking |
| Family Members Allowed | Yes (H-4 visa for spouse/children) | Yes (green card for spouse/children) |
Which Visa Is Easier to Get in 2025?
- The H-1B visa is faster but highly competitive due to the yearly cap and lottery system. If you are in tech or have a strong degree, this is a great choice.
- The EB-3 visa is slower but may be easier to get if you’re applying for jobs like caregiving, truck driving, or housekeeping, especially under the unskilled worker category.
Who Should Choose the H-1B Visa?
Choose the H-1B visa if:
- You have a university degree in a professional field
- You’re applying for a job in tech, healthcare, or finance
- You want to start working in the U.S. as quickly as possible
Who Should Choose the EB-3 Visa?
Choose the EB-3 visa if:
- You don’t have a university degree but have work experience
- You’re applying for roles like caregiver, construction worker, or factory assistant
- You want a green card from the start
Can You Apply for Both at the Same Time?
Yes, some people apply for the H-1B to get into the U.S. quickly, then later apply for EB-3 for a green card. Others apply directly for EB-3 if they qualify and don’t mind waiting longer.
Final Advice for 2025 Applicants
If you’re highly skilled and want to work in the U.S. right away, the H-1B visa is a faster route. But if your goal is long-term settlement and you qualify for EB-3, it may be a better choice overall.
Before applying, talk to your employer or a visa expert to see which option is more realistic for your situation.
To explore open roles for each visa, check out:
