Green Cards EB-2 e EB-3: O que Profissionais Corporativos Devem Saber
Shirin Navabi • June 26, 2025
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Como escritório de advocacia especializado em imigração, auxiliamos regularmente profissionais altamente qualificados que trabalham nos Estados Unidos com vistos temporários de trabalho, como o H-1B, e que buscam um caminho para a residência permanente. Para muitos desses indivíduos, as categorias de green card baseadas em emprego EB-2 e EB-3 são as mais utilizadas — e frequentemente mal compreendidas. Embora ambas sejam vias viáveis para a residência permanente, elas diferem de maneiras significativas que podem impactar o tempo de processamento, a elegibilidade e a estratégia geral do seu caso.
A categoria EB-2 é voltada para indivíduos que possuem um diploma avançado ou que demonstram habilidade excepcional em sua área. A maioria dos candidatos se qualifica por ter um diploma de mestrado (ou superior) ou um diploma de bacharelado acompanhado de pelo menos cinco anos de experiência progressiva na profissão. Existe também uma subcategoria dentro do EB-2 chamada National Interest Waiver (NIW – Isenção por Interesse Nacional), que permite que indivíduos qualificados solicitem o green card sem o patrocínio de um empregador, caso seu trabalho traga benefícios substanciais para os Estados Unidos. Esse caminho é especialmente relevante para pesquisadores, empreendedores e profissionais em áreas de alto interesse nacional ou críticas para a missão do país.
Em contraste, a categoria EB-3 abrange profissionais com diploma de bacharelado, bem como trabalhadores qualificados com pelo menos dois anos de treinamento ou experiência. Embora o requisito educacional para o EB-3 pareça menos rigoroso, o processo é igualmente estruturado. Uma distinção importante entre EB-2 e EB-3 está nos requisitos da vaga de trabalho oferecida e não apenas nas qualificações do candidato. Por exemplo, se a vaga exigir apenas um diploma de bacharelado, mesmo um candidato altamente qualificado com mestrado pode ainda se enquadrar na categoria EB-3.
Independentemente da categoria, a maioria dos processos de green card baseados em emprego começa com a certificação trabalhista PERM. Este é um procedimento formal supervisionado pelo Departamento do Trabalho dos EUA, no qual o empregador deve testar o mercado de trabalho e demonstrar que não há trabalhadores americanos disponíveis, qualificados e dispostos a ocupar a vaga. O empregador também deve concordar em pagar o salário prevalente conforme determinado pelo Departamento do Trabalho. Esta etapa é obrigatória e altamente sensível a detalhes; imprecisões na descrição do cargo, nos passos de recrutamento ou na determinação salarial podem causar atrasos significativos ou até mesmo a negação do pedido.
Após a aprovação da certificação PERM, o empregador apresenta o Formulário I-140, a Petição de Imigrante para Trabalhador Estrangeiro. Essa petição confirma que o funcionário atende aos requisitos da vaga oferecida sob a categoria EB-2 ou EB-3, e que o empregador tem capacidade financeira para fornecer o cargo conforme descrito. Se a data de prioridade do funcionário — que é baseada na data em que o PERM foi protocolado — estiver atual de acordo com o Visa Bulletin do Departamento de Estado, o indivíduo poderá então apresentar o Formulário I-485
para ajustar seu status para residente permanente legal.
Um dos aspectos mais complexos desse processo envolve compreender como as datas de prioridade e os atrasos de vistos afetam o cronograma. Para candidatos de países com alta demanda, como Índia ou China, atrasos significativos são comuns — especialmente na categoria EB-2. Paradoxalmente, há momentos em que a categoria EB-3 avança mais rápido, levando alguns candidatos a protocolarem uma segunda petição I-140 sob o EB-3, mantendo a data de prioridade original. Essa estratégia pode ser eficaz, mas requer planejamento jurídico cuidadoso para ser executada corretamente.
Outro fator estratégico importante é a portabilidade. Se sua solicitação I-485 estiver pendente há pelo menos 180 dias e sua petição I-140 já tiver sido aprovada, você poderá ser elegível para mudar de empregador sob as disposições de portabilidade do AC21, desde que o novo cargo esteja na mesma ou em uma ocupação similar à anterior. Essa flexibilidade pode ser fundamental para profissionais que passam por mudanças de emprego ou promoções durante o longo processo de obtenção do green card.
Em última análise, a escolha entre EB-2 e EB-3 não diz respeito a prestígio, mas sim ao alinhamento entre suas qualificações, os requisitos da vaga e seu histórico imigratório, considerando os padrões legais atuais e as condições de mercado. A estratégia correta depende não apenas da sua formação e experiência, mas também dos seus objetivos profissionais de longo prazo e do seu país de origem.
No nosso escritório, trabalhamos lado a lado com empregadores e funcionários para desenvolver estratégias de imigração personalizadas que otimizem o processo e evitem contratempos desnecessários. Se você é um profissional corporativo avaliando suas opções de green card ou um empregador se preparando para patrocinar um membro-chave da equipe, oferecemos o conhecimento e a experiência necessários para conduzir seu caso com confiança.
Este blog não se destina a fornecer aconselhamento jurídico e nada aqui deve ser interpretado como estabelecimento de um relacionamento advogado-cliente. Por favor, agende uma consulta com um advogado de imigração antes de agir com base em qualquer informação lida aqui.
As an immigration law firm, we regularly assist highly skilled professionals working in the U.S. on temporary work visas such as H-1B who are seeking a path to permanent residency. For many of these individuals, the EB-2 and EB-3 employment-based green card categories are the most pursued—and frequently misunderstood—routes . While both are viable pathways to permanent residency, they differ in meaningful ways that can significantly impact the timing, eligibility, and overall strategy of your case. The EB-2 category is intended for individuals who either hold an advanced degree or demonstrate exceptional ability in their field . Most applicants qualify by having a master’s degree (or higher), or a bachelor’s degree accompanied by at least five years of progressive experience in their profession. There is also a subcategory within EB-2 known as the National Interest Waiver (NIW), which allows qualified individuals to self-petition without employer sponsorship if their work substantially benefits the United States. This route is especially relevant for researchers, entrepreneurs, and professionals in high national interest or mission-critical fields. In contrast, the EB-3 category includes professionals with a bachelor’s degree as well as skilled workers with at least two years of training or experience . While the educational threshold for EB-3 may appear less rigorous, the process itself is equally structured. One key distinction between EB-2 and EB-3 lies in the requirements of the job being offered, not just the applicant’s own credentials. For example, if a position requires only a bachelor’s degree, even a highly qualified candidate with a master’s degree may still fall under EB-3. Regardless of which category applies, most employment-based green card cases begin with the PERM labor certification process . This is a formal procedure overseen by the U.S. Department of Labor, in which the employer must test the labor market and demonstrate that there are no able, willing, qualified, and available U.S. workers for the position. The employer must also agree to pay the prevailing wage as determined by the Department of Labor. This step is both mandatory and highly detail-sensitive; inaccuracies in the job description, recruitment steps, or wage determination can lead to significant delays or even denials. Once PERM certification is approved, the employer files Form I-140 , the Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker. This petition confirms that the employee meets the requirements for the offered position under either EB-2 or EB-3, and that the employer is financially capable of providing the job as described. If the employee’s priority date—which is based on the date the PERM was filed—is current according to the Department of State’s Visa Bulletin, the individual may then file Form I-485 to adjust their status to lawful permanent resident. One of the more nuanced aspects of this process involves understanding how priority dates and visa backlogs affect the timeline. For applicants from countries with high demand, such as India or China, significant delays are common—particularly under EB-2. Paradoxically, there are times when the EB-3 category moves faster, prompting some applicants to file a second I-140 under EB-3 while retaining the original priority date. This strategy can be effective but requires careful legal planning to ensure it’s done correctly. Another strategic factor is portability. If your I-485 application has been pending for at least 180 days and your I-140 has been approved, you may be eligible to change employers under the AC21 portability provisions, so long as the new job is in the same or a similar occupational classification. This flexibility can be critical for employees who experience job changes or promotions during the often lengthy green card process. Ultimately, the choice between EB-2 and EB-3 isn’t about prestige —it’s about aligning your qualifications, the job requirements, and your immigration history with current legal standards and market conditions. The right strategy depends not only on your education and experience, but also on your long-term career goals and country of origin. At our firm, we work closely with both employers and employees to develop individualized immigration strategies that streamline the process and avoid unnecessary setbacks. Whether you're a corporate professional evaluating your green card options or an employer preparing to sponsor a key team member, we offer the insight and experience to move your case forward with confidence.
If you've made it to the United States as a culinary professional—perhaps on an O-1B visa that recognizes your extraordinary talent, or a P-3 visa for sharing your rich culinary heritage—congratulations! You’ve already proven yourself as a standout in your craft. But what if we told you that your journey doesn’t have to end when your temporary visa does? In fact, your current status could be the perfect stepping stone to something much more lasting: a green card through the EB-1A category. The EB-1A visa is a first-preference employment-based immigrant visa, designed for individuals with “ extraordinary ability ” in fields such as the arts, sciences, education, business, or athletics. And yes—culinary arts absolutely count. The key is demonstrating that your skills have risen to the very top of your field. If you've already gone through the O-1 or P-3 process, you're likely well on your way . Here’s the good news: much of the evidence used to obtain your O-1B or P-3 visa can be repurposed for your EB-1A petition . Awards, press features, expert testimonials, and proof of your work in prestigious kitchens or at cultural events—they're all valuable again. But what’s even more exciting is that everything you’ve accomplished while in the U.S. on your temporary visa—whether launching a signature tasting menu, starring in a food documentary, or leading culinary workshops—can now be used to further strengthen your case. According to USCIS, EB-1A applicants must meet at least three of ten criteria unless they’ve received a major internationally recognized award. These criteria include things like published material about your work, original contributions of major significance, high salary, and a critical role in distinguished organizations. For many chefs, especially those who’ve thrived in the U.S. hospitality scene, it’s absolutely achievable with the right guidance. What sets the EB-1A apart is that it does not require an employer sponsor . That’s right—you can self-petition! This means your culinary career can be as flexible and entrepreneurial as you want it to be, whether that means opening your own restaurant, expanding into media, or continuing to cook your way into America’s heart. Even better? It can be one of the fastest paths to a green card available. With premium processing, your I-140 petition can be adjudicated within just 15 business days. And if your country’s EB-1 visa category is current on the visa bulletin at the time of approval, you may be eligible to file your green card application immediately. This combination of speed, autonomy, and flexibility makes EB-1A an incredibly attractive next step in your immigration journey. At Santos Lloyd Law Firm, we love helping creative professionals take their next big step. If you’ve already wowed the world with your cuisine, the EB-1A may be your opportunity to stay and make your mark for good. Contact us today to find out if the EB-1A is the next right step for you!
The United States has long been a destination for the world’s most talented athletes—not only to compete at the highest level, but to access world-class training, coaching opportunities, and long-term career prospects. Whether on the field, in the ring, or across the chessboard, athletes from across the globe are finding immigration pathways that allow them to pursue their athletic and professional goals in the U.S. U.S. immigration law offers several visa and green card options designed specifically for individuals with extraordinary athletic talent. These include the P-1A visa for internationally recognized athletes, the O-1A visa for individuals of extraordinary ability, and the EB-1A immigrant petition, which can lead to permanent residency and ultimately, U.S. citizenship. The P-1A visa is commonly used by professional athletes coming to the U.S. to compete in a specific event or season. This applies not only to individual athletes but also to members of teams or clubs recognized internationally. It is widely used by soccer players, basketball players, MMA fighters, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitors, and even elite chess players. Athletes must demonstrate a high level of international recognition and a record of performance in their sport. The O-1A visa is a strong option for coaches who demonstrate extraordinary ability, typically evidenced by championship titles, sustained winning records, or recognition as integral to their team’s success. To qualify, a coach must establish that their expertise places them among the small percentage of top professionals in their field. For athletes seeking permanent status in the U.S., the EB-1A immigrant petition —often referred to as the “extraordinary ability green card”—provides a direct path to lawful permanent residency. It requires clear documentation that the individual is among the very best in their sport and has achieved sustained national or international success. Unlike other green card categories, the EB-1A does not require employer sponsorship and can be self-petitioned. This has become a common path for MMA world champions, BJJ black belt medalists, Olympic athletes, and chess grandmasters—many of whom now represent the U.S. at the highest levels of international competition. It’s important to note that U.S. immigration law defines “athlete” broadly. Whether you are a professional football player in Europe, a sprinter from the Caribbean, a judoka, a gymnast, or a grandmaster in chess, your achievements may qualify under these categories if they are properly documented and presented. The key is a consistent record of excellence and recognition in your sport on a national or international scale. Our office specializes in these types of immigration matters. Whether you are an individual athlete looking to relocate or an organization seeking to bring international talent to your roster, we offer tailored legal strategies to support your goals. If you are exploring options to compete, train, or build your future in the U.S., we’re here to help you take the next step.
