EB-2 vs EB-3: Which Is Faster, Especially for India?
EB-2 needs a master's degree, or a bachelor's plus five years of progressive experience. EB-3 needs a bachelor's degree or two years of skilled experience. For India in October 2026, EB-2 and EB-3 cut-off dates were only about two months apart, so EB-2 was not clearly faster.
Every job is from an employer that filed H1Bs in 2025. See which ones fit your resume.
Who qualifies for EB-2
- Advanced degree: a US master's or higher, or a foreign equivalent.
- Or a bachelor's degree plus at least five years of progressive experience in the field.
- Or exceptional ability in the sciences, arts or business.
- The job itself must require that level. It is the job's requirements, not just your resume, that decide.
Who qualifies for EB-3
- Professionals: a US bachelor's degree or foreign equivalent, required by the job.
- Skilled workers: jobs needing at least two years of training or experience.
- Other workers: jobs needing less than two years. This subgroup has a smaller annual limit.
| Employer | H-1B filings | Transfers | Median pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.Com Services LLC | 14,047 | 2,382 | $155k |
| Cognizant Technology Solutions US CorpGC frozen | 10,209 | 872 | $110k |
| Ernst & Young U.S. LLP | 9,808 | 269 | $143k |
| Google LLC | 7,899 | 844 | $186k |
| Microsoft CorporationGC frozen | 7,840 | 879 | $173k |
| Tata Consultancy Services LimitedGC frozen | 7,287 | 353 | $86k |
Why there is a wait
The law gives each of EB-1, EB-2 and EB-3 about 28.6% of the yearly employment-based green cards. No single country can use more than 7% of the total in a year.
India and China have far more applicants than their share, so they get their own, older cut-off dates. Your place in line is your priority date, usually the date your PERM was filed.
EB-2 also includes the National Interest Waiver. It lets you self-petition without a job offer or PERM, but it shares the EB-2 line for your country.
October 2026 Final Action Dates
These are from the State Department's October 2026 Visa Bulletin. Dates move monthly and can go backward.
- India: EB-2 November 1, 2013. EB-3 January 1, 2014.
- China: EB-2 October 1, 2021. EB-3 January 8, 2022.
- Rest of world: EB-2 January 1, 2025. EB-3 May 15, 2024.
So which is faster?
For India in October 2026, EB-3 was slightly ahead of EB-2. For the rest of the world, EB-2 was ahead. That can flip within months.
EB-2 India was unavailable for the last months of fiscal year 2026 after hitting its annual limit. It reopened in October with the November 2013 date.
EB-1 is the fastest employer category for India. EB-1 India's date was February 1, 2023. See the green card hub for EB-1 paths.
Filing in both categories
Many employers file the PERM at an EB-2 level. If the EB-3 date later moves ahead, the employer can often file a second I-140 in EB-3 using the same PERM. This is sometimes called a downgrade.
You keep your earliest priority date across approved EB-1, EB-2 and EB-3 petitions. Our priority date guide explains the rule. Ask your attorney before filing a second petition.
How to know which you fit
Look at the job's minimum requirements, not your highest degree. A master's holder in a job that requires only a bachelor's is usually EB-3.
Your employer's attorney sets the category when drafting the PERM. Ask which one and why. Also ask whether they will file a second I-140 if the other category moves ahead.
Experience gained with the same employer can be tricky to count. Experience from a prior job, or from a substantially different role, is usually easier to use.
Check employers' green card history on green card sponsors before you commit to a job.
This is general information, not legal advice. Confirm your situation with an immigration attorney before you act.
Questions
Is EB-2 or EB-3 faster for India?
In October 2026 they were close: EB-3 India at January 1, 2014 and EB-2 India at November 1, 2013. That can change monthly.
Do I need a master's degree for EB-2?
No. A bachelor's plus five years of progressive post-degree experience also qualifies, if the job requires it.
Can I switch from EB-2 to EB-3?
Often yes. The employer can file a new EB-3 I-140, and you can keep your earlier priority date.
What is the difference between EB-1, EB-2 and EB-3?
EB-1 is for top talent and multinational managers, with no PERM. EB-2 needs an advanced degree or equivalent. EB-3 covers professionals and skilled workers.
Who decides my category?
The job's minimum requirements decide it. Your employer's attorney chooses the category when filing.
Sources
- USCIS: Employment-Based Immigration, Second Preference EB-2
- USCIS: Employment-Based Immigration, Third Preference EB-3
- USCIS: Employment-Based Immigration, First Preference EB-1
- 8 CFR 204.5 (employment-based petitions), eCFR
- State Department: Visa Bulletin for October 2026
- USCIS: Adjustment of Status Filing Charts from the Visa Bulletin
