United States
ChileCompare visas
ESTA vs EB-3
ESTA is an online authorisation for short trips of up to 90 days, with no extension or change of status; the EB-3 is permanent residence for professionals and skilled workers through an employer who files a PERM certification. Chile is the only Latin American country in the Visa Waiver Program, but ESTA does not let you work or stay. If your goal is to live in the United States on a job, the EB-3 is the route.
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-3 Residence for professionals and skilled workers
Needs a sponsor
ESTA No
EB-3 Yes, always
Annual cap
ESTA No cap
EB-3 28.6% of the annual employment-based total
Prior USCIS petition
ESTA No, resolved online
EB-3 Yes, PERM certification then I-140
Duration
ESTA 90 days per trip, no extension
EB-3 Permanent
Dual intent
ESTA Not allowed
EB-3 It is residence itself
Spouse may work
ESTA Not applicable, one each
EB-3 Yes, derivative residence
Path to residence
ESTA It does not lead there
EB-3 It is the residence
Chile's position
ESTA The only Latin American country in the programme
EB-3 None of the backlogs that affect India and China
Full comparison
| Criterion | ESTA ESTA / Visa Waiver | EB-3 EB-3 green card |
|---|---|---|
| What it is for The activity the category authorises. | A short trip without a visa | Residence for professionals and skilled workers |
| Needs a sponsor Whether someone else has to petition for you. | No | Yes, always |
| 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, PERM certification then I-140 |
| 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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