EB-1 Visa vs. Green Card: Understanding the Differences
The EB-1 is sometimes referred to as a US visa and at other times it is referenced as a Permanent Resident Green Card, which can be a bit confusing for many prospective immigrants.
This article will clarify if EB-1 is the same as a Green Card, so continue reading to learn more!
Table of Contents
What is an EB1 Visa?
An EB-1 Visa is a US Employment-Based (EB) Immigrant Visa which allows a skilled foreign worker to immigrate to the United States as a new Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR).
The EB-1 Visa is granted to skilled foreign workers who satisfy the eligibility requirements for one of the three sub-categories:
- EB-1A Visa (Extraordinary Ability in athletics, arts, business, education or sciences)
- EB-1B (Outstanding Researchers or Professors)
- EB-1C (Multinational Executives or Managers)
EB-1 Immigrant Visas are issued by the US State Department and are placed on a page of the new immigrant’s passport by a consular official following a successful interview at the American Embassy or Consulate.
A primary purpose of the EB-1 Immigrant Visa is to facilitate initial entry into the United States for a skilled foreign worker who has become a new US permanent resident through this Employment-Based immigration program.
Is an EB-1 Visa a Green Card?
Many prospective immigrants want to know: Is EB-1 the same as a Green Card?
An EB-1 Immigrant Visa is not the same as a US Permanent Resident Green Card, however, holders of an EB-1 Visa will also receive a Green Card.
An Employment-Based (EB) Immigrant Visa (such as the EB-1) is generally:
- issued by the US State Department to a new permanent resident of the United States following a successful interview at the American Embassy or Consulate after being approved for immigration to the USA;
- placed on a page of the new immigrant’s valid passport to facilitate initial entry into the United States; and
- valid for up to six months after the date it was granted, during which the new immigrant must enter the US.
A United States Permanent Resident Green Card is generally:
- issued by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to a new permanent resident of the United States;
- a plastic photo identification card that is carried by an immigrant in the US as proof of Lawful Permanent Resident status;
- used as official ID to re-enter the USA and apply for US employment, bank accounts, loans, education programs, etc.; and
- valid for 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely for 10 years each time.
In sum, a new US permanent resident will use the EB-1 Immigrant Visa to enter the United States while it is still valid, but then carry the plastic Green Card long-term as official identification (ID) and proof of LPR status while living in the USA.
What is the difference between EB-1 and Green Card?
EB-1 is one of several US immigration programs that individuals can apply for to receive a United States Permanent Resident Green Card to live, study and work in the USA for an unlimited amount of time.
Examples of other US immigration programs that offer a Green Card include the EB-2, EB-3, EB-4, EB-5, Diversity Visa Program and Family Sponsorship Program.
There are approximately one million United States Permanent Resident Green Cards issued each year through various US immigration programs (such as the EB-1, Diversity Visa Lottery and Family Sponsorship), with around half issued to new immigrants who are moving to the USA from abroad and about half granted to temporary non-immigrant residents already living in the US (such as temporary foreign workers and family members) through adjustment of status.
Thus, there is one United States Permanent Resident Green Card and several US immigration pathways to get it.
Conclusion
There are many different routes to become a US Permanent Resident Green Card holder, such as the EB-1 Program.
Each US immigration program to receive a Green Card has its own eligibility requirements and application procedure.
How can you know which US immigration program you are in the strongest position to apply for?
USAFIS can provide you with a US Visa Assessment that will inform you about your best option to legally live in the USA.
You can also receive guidance in preparing the required documents prior to submission if you qualify.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Is EB-1 the same as Green Card?
EB-1 is not the same as a Green Card, but rather one of several US immigration programs that an individual can apply for to receive a Green Card. For example, there are other Employment Based (EB) US immigration programs for obtaining a Green Card, such as the EB-2, EB-3, EB-4 and EB-5. Additionally, a person can receive a Green Card through Family Sponsorship and the Diversity Visa Program, as well as through approved asylum or refugee status (once other criteria are satisfied).
Is EB-1 faster than other Green Card options?
The EB-1 is generally a faster way to get a Green Card compared to the other Employment-Based (EB) Green Card programs. The Diversity Visa Program is potentially the fastest pathway to receive a Green Card (i.e., if you are lucky enough to be randomly selected the first time you participate), however, people generally have to take part in the DV-Lottery more than one year before they get selected to continue the US immigration process. Family Sponsorship, particularly for eligible family members of American citizens, can also be one of the fastest routes to a Green Card.
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