United States
ChileCompare visas
EB-2 vs EB-4
The EB-2 is the green card for professionals with an advanced degree or exceptional ability, usually through PERM and, via the National Interest Waiver, without an employer. The EB-4 groups narrow cases, such as religious workers or certain physicians, which skip PERM but carry very specific evidentiary requirements. The EB-2 receives 28.6% of the annual employment-based total; the EB-4, 7.1%.
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-2 Residence for an advanced degree or exceptional ability
EB-4 Residence for narrowly defined special categories
Needs a sponsor
EB-2 Yes, except with a National Interest Waiver
EB-4 Depends on the subcategory
Annual cap
EB-2 28.6% of the annual employment-based total
EB-4 7.1% of the annual employment-based total
Prior USCIS petition
EB-2 Yes, I-140 and PERM unless NIW
EB-4 Yes, Form I-360
Chile's position
EB-2 None of the backlogs that affect India and China
EB-4 An uncommon profile among Chileans
Full comparison
| Criterion | EB-2 EB-2 green card | EB-4 EB-4 green card |
|---|---|---|
| What it is for The activity the category authorises. | Residence for an advanced degree or exceptional ability | Residence for narrowly defined special categories |
| Needs a sponsor Whether someone else has to petition for you. | Yes, except with a National Interest Waiver | 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, I-140 and PERM unless NIW | 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.
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