If you are looking to potentially obtain a U.S. green card, you may have more options than you think. While the traditional routes, such as H-1B and F1 visas, are good options, they come with several challenges, including the potential for decades-long wait times. For this reason, you may be interested in exploring employment-based (EB) visas. There are five different types of EB visas, and each comes with its own set of requirements.
So, what makes the several EB visa types—from EB1 to EB5—different? The types of EB visas are a cornerstone of the U.S. immigration system, designed to attract skilled professionals, investors, and specialized workers who contribute to the country’s economy and diversity. Primarily to support employment-based immigration, the EB visa program focuses on both immediate labor needs and long-term national interests. Each year, the U.S. government offers about 140,000, split between the five different types.
Understanding the different types of EB visas is essential for anyone considering employment or investment-based immigration to the U.S. Because each is tailored to unique groups of individuals, finding the pathway that most aligns with your skills, career, and long-term goals can help ensure a smooth visa process.
This is where Peachtree Group comes into play. Our team has spent more than 40 years helping clients potentially obtain green cards through investment. Our experience with the EB5 visa system has seen us manage over $2.0 billion in transactions, helping thousands of investors navigate the complex immigration system to find the right pathway to permanent residency. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain the five different EB visa types and why they may be right for you.
Before we go in-depth on each of the five types of EB visas, let’s first discuss the purpose of the EB visa types. These employment-based immigration programs provide a vital way for workers and investors to secure a permanent future in the United States while contributing to its economic growth and global competitiveness. An EB visa allows individuals the chance to leverage their unique qualifications to achieve their immigration goals.
For professionals looking to further their careers, the EB 1-4 visa categories can open doors to industries such as healthcare, technology, and academia. For investors, the EB-5 route offers the ability to turn a financial contribution in a U.S. business into permanent residency.
So, which path is right for your career and financial aspirations? Here's a quick breakdown of the five EB visa types.
EB-1: Extraordinary Ability, Outstanding Professors, Researchers, and Multinational Executives. 40,000 visas per year.
EB-2: Advanced Degrees or Exceptional Ability. 40,000 visas per year.
EB-3: Skilled Workers or Other Professionals. 40,000 visas per year.
EB-4: Translators and Religious Workers. 10,000 visas per year.
EB-5: Investent-based Immigration. 10,000 visas per year.
The EB-1 visa, often referred to as the “first preference” category in the U.S. employment-based immigration system, is designed for individuals who have achieved exceptional success or possess extraordinary qualifications in their field. This visa category caters to three primary groups:
For those looking for an EB-1A visa, they must demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim in their field, such as science, arts, education, business, or athletics. In other words, you have to prove that you’ve risen to the top of your field. Individuals in this category can self-petition, eliminating the need for a job offer.
For EB-1B visas, applicants must have at least three years of experience and be recognized internationally for their academic achievements. Additionally, you will need to have a job offer from a U.S. institution to teach or research.
Finally, EB-1C visas require that applicants have worked for at least one year within three years as a manager or executive at a top organization. Those who are transferring to a U.S. branch of the organization are eligible for this visa.
Compared to other employment-based immigration routes, the EB-1 visa comes with several benefits. One of the biggest is the potential for shorter wait times, as the category is not subject to the same backlogs as an H-1B for example. Your timeline could also be expedited further by EB-1 visas not requiring Department of Labor-issued certifications.
The second preference category is reserved for individuals who bring advanced expertise or exceptional abilities to the U.S., particularly in fields like sciences, healthcare, and technology. It is important to note that in certain cases, those with EB-1 visas could switch to an EB-2. With this said, though, the EB-2 type of EB visa is not for executives or professors.
Applicants for this type of EB visa must possess an advanced degree, such as a master’s or PhD. Candidates must demonstrate a level of expertise significantly above what is ordinarily encountered in their field. This can be proven through awards, certifications, or membership in professional associations. Additionally, you must be able to provide documentation from your employer(s) that proves at least ten years of experience in your field. A job offer from a U.S. employer is typically required, but there are exceptions.
Individuals whose work is deemed to be of substantial benefit to the U.S. can self-petition without needing a job offer. This is done through a National Interest Waiver (NIW). For scientists, entrepreneurs, and other professionals, this type of EB visa is particularly attractive.
For individuals who have strong qualifications in their field, the EB-2 visa offers the advantage of being accessible. Those currently holding an EB-1 visa may consider transferring to an EB-2 if their circumstances change or if they seek a broader eligibility framework. For instance, professionals who no longer meet the "extraordinary ability" threshold could qualify under "exceptional ability" or the advanced degree criteria.
The added benefit of the NIW option also helps certain immigrants expedite the process of earning employment-based immigration status. Like the EB-1 visa, the EB-2 can provide a more balanced pathway to permanent residency or full-time U.S. citizenship for highly skilled individuals.
So, what is the difference when comparing EB-1 vs. EB-2 vs. EB-3? While the three may sound similar, this EB visa type appeals to those who may not qualify for the higher thresholds of EB-1 or EB-2 but still possess valuable abilities sought by U.S. employers. EB-3 visas offer a broad range of opportunities, as they include skilled workers and professionals and even unskilled workers in industries where demand for jobs is still high.
Let’s start with skilled workers. In this category, jobs could include computer scientists, journalists, or graphic designers. Applicants must have at least two years of training or experience, which could be satisfied by post-secondary education. On top of this, you must have a full-time offer for a U.S. job and complete a Department of Labor Form ETA-9089 to certify your status.
When we consider professionals, the requirements are similar. Candidates must hold at least a U.S. bachelor’s degree (or a foreign equivalent) required for the position. A major difference is that they must also demonstrate that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the specific role.
Finally, for “other workers” or unskilled workers, you must demonstrate the ability to perform work for which qualified U.S. workers are unavailable. This typically requires less than two years of training or experience, but it is important to note that wait times could be longer for this group due to bigger backlogs.
The primary difference lies in the job requirements. Skilled workers require specific training or experience, often making their roles more specialized. In contrast, unskilled workers fill essential positions that do not demand formal training, such as roles in agriculture or hospitality.
The final employment-based immigration route for those considering EB visas is the EB-4. This EB visa type is a specialized pathway to permanent residency for individuals who fall into unique employment-based classifications. The fourth preference category provides valuable opportunities for those who may not fit into the three categories of EB-1 vs. EB-2 vs. EB-3 to still take control of their U.S. future.
This category supports “special immigrants” who fall into a few different job categories: religious workers, translators, broadcasters, and certain members of the U.S. government or armed forces who currently reside abroad.
The EB-4 visa provides an essential pathway for individuals whose roles contribute to the U.S. in non-traditional yet vital ways, such as promoting religious freedom, supporting international diplomacy, or aiding national security.
Unlike the four options above, which are focused on employment-based immigration, EB-5 is centered around investment-based immigration. This type of EB visa is perfect for those who want to combine their entrepreneurial ambitions with the chance to obtain a U.S. green card. Since the program is designed to stimulate economic and job growth in the country, there are a few requirements that investors must meet:
To qualify for this EB visa type, no previous business or educational experience is required. Anybody who meets the investment and job creation requirements can apply. And while conditional residency is granted for the first two years until you prove the value of your investments, you can treat this very much like having a green card. You’ll be able to live, work, or travel anywhere in the U.S.
Another big benefit of this type of EB visa is that your immediate spouse and any unmarried children under the age of 21 will be eligible as well. This provides you and your family with direct routes to U.S. green cards. You are also not required to have a full-time job offer or corporate sponsor, giving you more freedom and flexibility throughout your immigration process.
At Peachtree Group, our projects help you streamline this process. Our advisors provide expert guidance at every step, helping you through your initial investment and providing all relevant information about our projects and how investors are creating jobs. Plus, our global hotel partners allow you to invest in world-renowned brands such as Marriott, Hilton, and IHG. Want to learn more about how we can help you potentially earn your green card? Visit our website or fill out our contact form and we’ll get back with you right away.
What is the difference between the EB visa types?
There are five different types of EB visas. EB visas 1-4 are employment-based immigration visas, while EB-5offers a route for investment-based immigration.
What type of EB visa is right for me?
Choosing the right EB visa type comes down to several factors, including your career, level of education, and job experience. EB-5 visas are available to all who meet certain investment and job creation criteria.
ATLANTA – Peachtree Group (Peachtree) has received its I-956F approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the government agency that oversees the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, for The Scoundrel, a Tribute Portfolio by Marriott hotel currently under construction in Gatlinburg, Tenn.
The I-956F approval marks a crucial step in Peachtree’s ongoing efforts to facilitate investment opportunities through the EB-5 program, which is designed to promote economic growth and job creation in the United States.
“Receiving USCIS approval for The Scoundrel represents another key milestone for our EB-5 platform,” said Adam Greene, executive vice president of EB-5 at Peachtree. “It reflects our commitment to structuring investments that create meaningful economic impact, support job growth and deliver lasting value for our investors and the communities we serve.”
Peachtree engaged an independent third-party to conduct a jobs study, which determined the development is expected to create 842 eligible jobs for EB-5 purposes, 1.68 times the 500 jobs required under the estimated investment amount, under scoring the project’s significant economic contribution to the region.
“Peachtree’s participation in the EB-5 program underscores our entrepreneurial grit and commitment to advancing initiatives that create a flywheel effect across our lending platform,” said Greg Friedman, managing principal and CEO of Peachtree. “We’ve helped institutionalize these investments within a program that drives economic growth and expands opportunities for meaningful, job-creating immigration.”
Peachtree originated $40 million in floating-rate construction financing over a four-year term for the development of The Scoundrel. The 133-room hotel will be ideally situated on one of Gatlinburg’s main commercial corridors, adjacent to the Gatlinburg Convention Center and steps from premier dining, shopping and entertainment. Located on the northwestern edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the United States, the property offers convenient access to a region that attracts millions of visitors each year.
The hotel is expected to be completed by mid-2027.
This is the fourth hotel development for which Peachtree has received I-956F approval,having previously secured it for its SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Bryce Canyon, Utah; Home2 Suites by Hilton in Boone, N.C.; and TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Palmdale, Calif. Peachtree also received I-956F approval for its loan for the construction of a multi-family apartment project in Bradenton, Fla.
“With its proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg is one of the most supply-constrained markets in the country,” said Greene. “High barriers to entry, including strict height and density limits and scarce developable land, make new construction rare. That dynamic, combined with sustained demand from millions of annual visitors, positions well-located, newly built hotels to significantly outperform the broader market.”
Peachtree launched its EB-5 program in 2023 as a key financing tool to support job-creating projects nationwide. The firm remains committed to delivering high-quality investment and development opportunities through its expanding portfolio of EB-5 projects.
The EB-5 visa program allows foreign investors to obtain a green card in exchange for making a significant investment in a new commercial enterprise that creates jobs in the United States. Under the program, foreign nationals who invest a minimum of $800,000 in a U.S.-based project that creates or preserves at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers are eligible to apply for permanent residency.
At a recent panel discussion at the IIUSA East Asia Conference titled “The Impact of President Trump’s Immigration Policies on the EB-5 Regional Center Program,” Adam Greene, Executive Vice President of EB-5 at Peachtree Group, offered a clear and reassuring perspective for investors and industry professionals navigating the evolving U.S. immigration environment.
Greene, who also serves as Secretary and Treasurer of IIUSA, began by emphasizing Peachtree’s track record as a leading private equity real estate firm with a history of over $12 billion in transactions and 800 investments across the U.S. He noted that Peachtree entered the EB-5 market to bring institutional discipline, transparency, and security to investors—focusing exclusively on senior secured debt positions that prioritize capital protection while driving U.S. job creation.
Discussing the Trump Administration’s new “Gold Card” program, Greene reminded the audience that it remains an idea, not an implemented program. “The Gold Card doesn’t exist today,” he said, explaining that even if enacted, it would need to operate within the framework of existing U.S. immigration laws. Importantly for EB-5, those laws require investment in a for-profit enterprise that creates American jobs—making it unlikely the Gold Card could directly substitute or compete with EB-5. “EB-5 exists today and is backed by established law,” Greene added. “The Gold Card does not.”
Greene positioned EB-5 as the form of legal immigration that fits squarely within the Trump Administration’s priorities. “EB-5 is exactly the kind of immigration that makes sense in the ‘America First’ world—it’s legal, it’s job-creating, and it’s self-funding,” he explained. With the perception that illegal immigration is increasingly under control, he said the political focus is turning toward immigration that strengthens the U.S. economy.
He also highlighted IIUSA’s ongoing advocacy in Washington, D.C., which has helped lawmakers better understand EB-5’s impact on American job creation and development. “When we meet with congressional offices now, they no longer ask, ‘What is EB-5?’” Greene said. “They know it’s a program that works and creates results.”
In closing, Greene urged agents and investors alike to focus on working with credible partners who combine experience with integrity. “Track record matters,” he said. “What ultimately protects investors are good people and sound structures.”
As immigration policy evolves, Greene’s message was consistent and confident: EB-5 remains a proven, law-backed path to U.S. residency that continues to deliver value for investors and communities alike.
El nuevo programa Trump Gold Card se implementó mediante una orden ejecutiva de la Casa Blanca (la «EO») el viernes 19 de septiembre y se publicó con más detalle en el sitio web Trump Card (www.trumpcard.gov) tras varios meses de preparación.
El programa Gold ofrece un camino hacia la residencia en los EE. UU. distinto de la visa EB-5. En lugar de requerir una inversión en un proyecto que genere empleo y que los solicitantes puedan recibir en unos pocos años, las personas pueden calificar presentando un Contribución de 1 millón de dólares (o 2 millones de dólares si está patrocinado por una empresa), que nunca recuperan.
A diferencia de la EB-5, que está vinculada a la creación de nuevos empleos y a las inversiones en centros regionales, la Tarjeta Dorada está vinculada a la ya existente Categorías EB-1 o EB-2, que también tienen límites de cuota, como el EB-5, y tienen atrasos existentes. La tarjeta dorada no proporciona un tratamiento fiscal favorable, y los solicitantes deben pagar un tarifa de procesamiento adicional y someterse a una investigación adicional. También lo es no está claro si son miembros derivados de la familia se incluyen en una sola contribución de 1 millón de dólares o si cada una debe contribuir por separado.
En resumen: las personas que estén considerando inmigrar a los EE. UU. con la visa de inversionista inmigrante EB-5 deben solicitarla ahora.
La orden ejecutiva de Trump exige que el gobierno implemente la Tarjeta Dorada dentro de los 90 días de su publicación, es decir, antes del 18 de diciembre de 2025. Si bien la orden ejecutiva incluye una oscura mención de que el gobierno «estudiará la posibilidad de ampliar el programa de tarjetas doradas a los solicitantes de visas con arreglo al EB-5», no está claro cómo podría hacerlo mediante una orden ejecutiva y no mediante la aprobación de una ley por el Congreso. La ley actual establece que cualquier solicitante de la visa EB-5 que presente su petición antes del 30 de septiembre de 2026 será juzgado con arreglo a las normas vigentes.
El enfoque más conservador para quienes estén considerando la EB-5 sería presentar la solicitud antes de la fecha límite del 18 de diciembre de 2025 para la implementación de la Tarjeta Dorada.
El sitio web de Trump Card también hace referencia a las tarjetas Platinum como «próximamente», lo que requeriría una contribución de 5 millones de dólares y ofrecería a los destinatarios la exención del impuesto sobre la renta estadounidense sobre los ingresos no estadounidenses y les permitiría pasar hasta 270 días en los EE. UU. Tenga en cuenta que la tarjeta Platinum aún no se ha implementado.
Si está considerando la visa de inmigración por inversión EB-5, comuníquese con Grupo Peachtree para obtener más información sobre el proceso.