United States
ChileCompare visas
H-2A vs EB-3
The H-2A is a temporary visa for seasonal farm work, with no annual cap and an employer obliged to cover housing and transport. The EB-3 is permanent residence and includes a subgroup for jobs that need less than two years of training, always with a job offer and PERM certification. The H-2A does not lead to a green card; if you want to stay, the EB-3 is the route, though that subgroup has the longest waits in the system.
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
H-2A Temporary or seasonal agricultural work
EB-3 Residence for professionals and skilled workers
Needs a sponsor
H-2A Yes, an agricultural employer
EB-3 Yes, always
Annual cap
H-2A No cap
EB-3 28.6% of the annual employment-based total
Prior USCIS petition
H-2A Yes, DOL certification then I-129
EB-3 Yes, PERM certification then I-140
Duration
H-2A Up to 1 year, 3 cumulative
EB-3 Permanent
Dual intent
H-2A Not allowed
EB-3 It is residence itself
Spouse may work
H-2A H-4, no work permit
EB-3 Yes, derivative residence
Path to residence
H-2A It does not lead there
EB-3 It is the residence
Chile's position
H-2A A DHS country list renewed annually
EB-3 None of the backlogs that affect India and China
Full comparison
| Criterion | H-2A H-2A visa | EB-3 EB-3 green card |
|---|---|---|
| What it is for The activity the category authorises. | Temporary or seasonal agricultural work | Residence for professionals and skilled workers |
| Needs a sponsor Whether someone else has to petition for you. | Yes, an agricultural employer | 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. | Yes, DOL certification then I-129 | Yes, PERM certification then I-140 |
| Duration Initial term and cumulative ceiling. | Up to 1 year, 3 cumulative | 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. | H-4, no work permit | 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. | A DHS country list renewed annually | 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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