COMPARE VISAS
Explore and compare US visa options
Easily understand the differences in requirements, benefits, and timelines to find the best option for you.
Type
Nonimmigrant visa
Green card
Description
Extraordinary Ability in Sciences, Education, Athletics, or Business
Extraordinary Ability in Sciences, Arts, Education, Business, or Athletics
Profiles that typically qualify
Entrepreneurs, Industry experts, Researchers, STEM Professionals, Athletes
Entrepreneurs, Industry experts, Researchers, STEM professionals, Athletes, Artists
Requirements
Demonstrate sustained extraordinary achievement in your field with at least 3 of 8 types of required evidence, such as receiving prestigious awards, being featured in media or professional publications, earning a high remuneration relative to your peers, or holding a critical or relevant role in a distinguished organization or project.
Continue working in your area of extraordinary ability in the U.S.
Demonstrate sustained extraordinary achievement in your field with at least 3 of 10 types of required evidence, such as receiving prestigious awards, being featured in media or professional publications, earning a high remuneration relative to your peers, or holding a critical or relevant role in a distinguished organization or project.
Continue working in your area of extraordinary ability in the U.S.
Pros
Flexible sponsorship options, including sponsorship by an agent—an individual or entity designated to act on your behalf—instead of a single payroll employer. This allows you to work for multiple employers and change employers easily.
A good option for new or small employers.
An excellent step toward building an EB-1A extraordinary ability green card.
Provides complete flexibility to work, live, and study in the U.S.
Does not require employer sponsorship, offering significant independence.
No labor certification is required, simplifying the application process.
Offers the fastest pathway to a green card among EB categories.
Direct path to citizenship after 5 years.
Cons
Requires a higher level of individual experience and credentials in your field compared to other visa categories.
Employment is limited to the specific area of extraordinary ability or achievement.
High standard to demonstrate extraordinary ability.
Sponsorship
Required
Not required
Validity period
3 years
Permanent
Renewable
Indefinitely, 1-year increments
Every 10 years
Without premium processing
2-4 months
10-24 months1
With premium processing
15 business days
15 business days2
Can spouse work
No
Yes
Disclaimers
-
1Applicants from India, China, or Mexico may experience longer wait times.
2Available only for the first stage of the process, while the second stage typically takes an additional 9-18 months.
Type
Nonimmigrant visa
Green card
Description
Extraordinary Ability in Sciences, Education, Athletics, or Business
Extraordinary Ability in Sciences, Arts, Education, Business, or Athletics
Profiles that typically qualify
Entrepreneurs, Industry experts, Researchers, STEM Professionals, Athletes
Entrepreneurs, Industry experts, Researchers, STEM professionals, Athletes, Artists
Requirements
Demonstrate sustained extraordinary achievement in your field with at least 3 of 8 types of required evidence, such as receiving prestigious awards, being featured in media or professional publications, earning a high remuneration relative to your peers, or holding a critical or relevant role in a distinguished organization or project.
Continue working in your area of extraordinary ability in the U.S.
Demonstrate sustained extraordinary achievement in your field with at least 3 of 10 types of required evidence, such as receiving prestigious awards, being featured in media or professional publications, earning a high remuneration relative to your peers, or holding a critical or relevant role in a distinguished organization or project.
Continue working in your area of extraordinary ability in the U.S.
Pros
Flexible sponsorship options, including sponsorship by an agent—an individual or entity designated to act on your behalf—instead of a single payroll employer. This allows you to work for multiple employers and change employers easily.
A good option for new or small employers.
An excellent step toward building an EB-1A extraordinary ability green card.
Provides complete flexibility to work, live, and study in the U.S.
Does not require employer sponsorship, offering significant independence.
No labor certification is required, simplifying the application process.
Offers the fastest pathway to a green card among EB categories.
Direct path to citizenship after 5 years.
Cons
Requires a higher level of individual experience and credentials in your field compared to other visa categories.
Employment is limited to the specific area of extraordinary ability or achievement.
High standard to demonstrate extraordinary ability.
Sponsorship
Required
Not required
Validity period
3 years
Permanent
Renewable
Indefinitely, 1-year increments
Every 10 years
Without premium processing
2-4 months
10-24 months1
With premium processing
15 business days
15 business days2
Can spouse work
No
Yes
Disclaimers
-
1Applicants from India, China, or Mexico may experience longer wait times.
2Available only for the first stage of the process, while the second stage typically takes an additional 9-18 months.