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.

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