United States
ChileCompare visas
ESTA vs EB-2
A Chilean can travel on an ESTA, approved online and valid for 2 years, but each stay is limited to 90 days and it does not authorise work. The EB-2 green card is residence for people with an advanced degree or exceptional ability, and with a National Interest Waiver it needs no employer. The ESTA does not allow dual intent, so it is worth reviewing how you travel while your EB-2 case is pending.
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
ESTA A short trip without a visa
EB-2 Residence for an advanced degree or exceptional ability
Needs a sponsor
ESTA No
EB-2 Yes, except with a National Interest Waiver
Annual cap
ESTA No cap
EB-2 28.6% of the annual employment-based total
Prior USCIS petition
ESTA No, resolved online
EB-2 Yes, I-140 and PERM unless NIW
Duration
ESTA 90 days per trip, no extension
EB-2 Permanent
Dual intent
ESTA Not allowed
EB-2 It is residence itself
Spouse may work
ESTA Not applicable, one each
EB-2 Yes, derivative residence
Path to residence
ESTA It does not lead there
EB-2 It is the residence
Chile's position
ESTA The only Latin American country in the programme
EB-2 None of the backlogs that affect India and China
Full comparison
| Criterion | ESTA ESTA / Visa Waiver | EB-2 EB-2 green card |
|---|---|---|
| What it is for The activity the category authorises. | A short trip without a visa | Residence for an advanced degree or exceptional ability |
| Needs a sponsor Whether someone else has to petition for you. | No | Yes, except with a National Interest Waiver |
| Annual cap How many are issued per fiscal year. | No cap | 28.6% 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, resolved online | Yes, I-140 and PERM unless NIW |
| Duration Initial term and cumulative ceiling. | 90 days per trip, no extension | 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. | The only Latin American country in the programme | None of the backlogs that affect India and China |
Figures verified on 2026-09-11
This table is general guidance, not legal advice or an eligibility assessment.
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