United States
ChileCompare visas
H-2B vs EB-4
The H-2B is for temporary non-agricultural jobs and is requested by an employer after a labour certification; the EB-4 is residence for special immigrants, a mixed group that includes religious workers, certain physicians and translators who served with the US armed forces. They are rarely alternatives to each other. The EB-4 profile is uncommon among Chileans, so first confirm whether you fit any subcategory.
These two categories differ on 10 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-2B Temporary non-agricultural work
EB-4 Residence for narrowly defined special categories
Needs a sponsor
H-2B Yes, an employer
EB-4 Depends on the subcategory
Annual cap
H-2B 66,000, in two halves of 33,000
EB-4 7.1% of the annual employment-based total
Lottery
H-2B No, but the cap runs out
EB-4 None
Prior USCIS petition
H-2B Yes, DOL certification then I-129
EB-4 Yes, Form I-360
Duration
H-2B Up to 1 year, 3 cumulative
EB-4 Permanent
Dual intent
H-2B Not allowed
EB-4 It is residence itself
Spouse may work
H-2B H-4, no work permit
EB-4 Yes, derivative residence
Path to residence
H-2B It does not lead there
EB-4 It is the residence
Chile's position
H-2B A DHS country list renewed annually
EB-4 An uncommon profile among Chileans
Full comparison
| Criterion | H-2B H-2B visa | EB-4 EB-4 green card |
|---|---|---|
| What it is for The activity the category authorises. | Temporary non-agricultural work | Residence for narrowly defined special categories |
| Needs a sponsor Whether someone else has to petition for you. | Yes, an employer | Depends on the subcategory |
| Annual cap How many are issued per fiscal year. | 66,000, in two halves of 33,000 | 7.1% of the annual employment-based total |
| Lottery Whether access depends on a random selection. | No, but the cap runs out | 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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