United States
ChileCompare visas
B-1/B-2 vs EB-4
The B-1/B-2 is the visitor visa for business or tourism and needs neither a sponsor nor a prior USCIS petition. The EB-4 green card is permanent residence for narrowly defined special categories, filed on Form I-360 with a cap of 7.1% of the annual employment-based total. For most Chileans the EB-4 does not apply; this comparison mainly confirms that a visitor visa opens no path to residence.
These two categories differ on 9 of 10 criteria. The full table is below, but if you only have a minute, these are the differences that decide a case.
Where they part ways
What it is for
B-1/B-2 Business or tourism, no work
EB-4 Residence for narrowly defined special categories
Needs a sponsor
B-1/B-2 No
EB-4 Depends on the subcategory
Annual cap
B-1/B-2 No cap
EB-4 7.1% of the annual employment-based total
Prior USCIS petition
B-1/B-2 No, straight to the consulate
EB-4 Yes, Form I-360
Duration
B-1/B-2 Visa up to 10 years, 6-month stays
EB-4 Permanent
Dual intent
B-1/B-2 Not allowed
EB-4 It is residence itself
Spouse may work
B-1/B-2 Not applicable, one each
EB-4 Yes, derivative residence
Path to residence
B-1/B-2 It does not lead there
EB-4 It is the residence
Chile's position
B-1/B-2 No particular advantage
EB-4 An uncommon profile among Chileans
Full comparison
| Criterion | B-1/B-2 B-1/B-2 visa | EB-4 EB-4 green card |
|---|---|---|
| What it is for The activity the category authorises. | Business or tourism, no work | Residence for narrowly defined special categories |
| Needs a sponsor Whether someone else has to petition for you. | No | Depends on the subcategory |
| Annual cap How many are issued per fiscal year. | No cap | 7.1% of the annual employment-based total |
| Lottery Whether access depends on a random selection. | None | None |
| Prior USCIS petition Whether a form must be approved before the consulate. | No, straight to the consulate | Yes, Form I-360 |
| Duration Initial term and cumulative ceiling. | Visa up to 10 years, 6-month stays | Permanent |
| Dual intent Whether you can pursue residence without risking the status. | Not allowed | It is residence itself |
| Spouse may work Whether your partner is authorised to work. | Not applicable, one each | Yes, derivative residence |
| Path to residence Whether it leads to a green card or is one already. | It does not lead there | It is the residence |
| Chile's position What being Chilean changes. | No particular advantage | An uncommon profile among Chileans |
Figures verified on 2026-09-11
This table is general guidance, not legal advice or an eligibility assessment.
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