United States
ChileCompare visas
EB-1 vs EB-4
The EB-1 rewards a track record: extraordinary ability, outstanding research or senior management at a multinational, and it is filed on Form I-140. The EB-4 rests not on professional merit but on a particular condition or service, such as being a religious worker or a translator for the armed forces, and uses the I-360. A Chilean professional seeking residence through their career will almost always find the route in the EB-1 rather than the EB-4.
These two categories differ on 5 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
EB-1 Residence for extraordinary ability, research or senior management
EB-4 Residence for narrowly defined special categories
Needs a sponsor
EB-1 EB-1A no; EB-1B and EB-1C yes
EB-4 Depends on the subcategory
Annual cap
EB-1 28.6% of the annual employment-based total
EB-4 7.1% of the annual employment-based total
Prior USCIS petition
EB-1 Yes, Form I-140
EB-4 Yes, Form I-360
Chile's position
EB-1 None of the backlogs that affect India and China
EB-4 An uncommon profile among Chileans
Full comparison
| Criterion | EB-1 EB-1 green card | EB-4 EB-4 green card |
|---|---|---|
| What it is for The activity the category authorises. | Residence for extraordinary ability, research or senior management | Residence for narrowly defined special categories |
| Needs a sponsor Whether someone else has to petition for you. | EB-1A no; EB-1B and EB-1C yes | Depends on the subcategory |
| Annual cap How many are issued per fiscal year. | 28.6% of the annual employment-based total | 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. | Yes, Form I-140 | Yes, Form I-360 |
| Duration Initial term and cumulative ceiling. | Permanent | Permanent |
| Dual intent Whether you can pursue residence without risking the status. | It is residence itself | It is residence itself |
| Spouse may work Whether your partner is authorised to work. | Yes, derivative residence | Yes, derivative residence |
| Path to residence Whether it leads to a green card or is one already. | It is the residence | It is the residence |
| Chile's position What being Chilean changes. | None of the backlogs that affect India and China | An uncommon profile among Chileans |
Figures verified on 2026-09-11
This table is general guidance, not legal advice or an eligibility assessment.
Neither one is yours?
Answer four questions and we will tell you which category to start with, and why.
Take the testWant to confirm which one applies to you?
The right category depends on the role, your background and your immigration history. We review it with you at no cost.
You pay in stages, as your case moves forward.
We do not ask for the full amount upfront, as is customary in this industry. Our commitment is to your case progressing, and the billing is built around that.