United States
ChileCompare visas
H-2A vs EB-4
The H-2A and the EB-4 almost never compete for the same person. The first is a temporary visa for seasonal farm work, requested by an agricultural employer after it obtains a Department of Labor certification; the second is residence for special immigrants, such as religious workers or certain physicians, filed on Form I-360. Unless your case fits an EB-4 subcategory, it is not an alternative to the H-2A.
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-4 Residence for narrowly defined special categories
Needs a sponsor
H-2A Yes, an agricultural employer
EB-4 Depends on the subcategory
Annual cap
H-2A No cap
EB-4 7.1% of the annual employment-based total
Prior USCIS petition
H-2A Yes, DOL certification then I-129
EB-4 Yes, Form I-360
Duration
H-2A Up to 1 year, 3 cumulative
EB-4 Permanent
Dual intent
H-2A Not allowed
EB-4 It is residence itself
Spouse may work
H-2A H-4, no work permit
EB-4 Yes, derivative residence
Path to residence
H-2A It does not lead there
EB-4 It is the residence
Chile's position
H-2A A DHS country list renewed annually
EB-4 An uncommon profile among Chileans
Full comparison
| Criterion | H-2A H-2A visa | EB-4 EB-4 green card |
|---|---|---|
| What it is for The activity the category authorises. | Temporary or seasonal agricultural work | Residence for narrowly defined special categories |
| Needs a sponsor Whether someone else has to petition for you. | Yes, an agricultural employer | Depends on the subcategory |
| Annual cap How many are issued per fiscal year. | No cap | 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, DOL certification then I-129 | Yes, Form I-360 |
| 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 | 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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