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EB Category Finder

Not sure whether you should pursue EB-1A, EB-2 NIW, or EB-2 through PERM? This 10-question quiz applies USCIS Policy Manual criteria to your profile and returns a ranked list of categories worth discussing with your immigration attorney. Covers all six employment-based green card categories: EB-1A, EB-1B, EB-1C, EB-2, EB-2 NIW, and EB-3.

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EB Category Finder
Which employment-based green card category fits your profile?
Your Background
Recognition & Evidence
Specialized Paths
Not legal advice.This quiz evaluates your fit against USCIS regulatory criteria but does not determine eligibility. EB category determination requires full review of your evidence portfolio, employer situation, and country of birth by a licensed US immigration attorney. USCIS has significant discretion in evaluating criteria like “original contributions of major significance” and “national importance.” Consult an attorney before filing any petition.
SECTION 01

How This Tool Works

The quiz asks 11 questions about your education, experience, publications, awards, and specialized paths (researcher, multinational manager, national interest work). Each answer is scored against the USCIS regulatory criteria for each EB category. Results are ranked by fit strength (Strong / Possible / Unlikely) and shown with a requirements checklist, plain-English rationale, and next steps. The tool never says “you qualify” — only that a category is worth discussing with an immigration attorney.

SECTION 02

What the Data Covers

All six employment-based immigrant visa categories: EB-1A Extraordinary Ability, EB-1B Outstanding Researcher/Professor, EB-1C Multinational Manager/Executive, EB-2 Advanced Degree, EB-2 National Interest Waiver, and EB-3 Skilled Worker/Professional. Criteria come directly from the USCIS Policy Manual Volume 6, Part F, and the Matter of Dhanasar (AAO 2016) three-prong test for EB-2 NIW.

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SECTION 03

Tips for Using This Tool

1Answer honestly — the quiz is only useful if your inputs reflect reality. Overstating publications or awards leads to false-positive results.
2If you fit multiple categories, start with the highest-numbered EB that has the shortest backlog for your country. Higher EB categories (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3) generally have shorter priority date backlogs. Each category has different eligibility requirements., EB-2 is usually better than EB-3.
3EB-1A is “self-petitioned” but building the evidence portfolio typically takes 1-2 years of proactive work. Start early.
4EB-2 NIW has become much more common since Matter of Dhanasar (2016) and the 2022 USCIS STEM policy memo. If you’re in STEM research, NIW is worth evaluating seriously.
5The quiz doesn’t ask about your country of birth on purpose — category eligibility is independent of country. But backlogs are country-specific, so pair this tool with the Priority Date Tracker.
SECTION 04

Frequently Asked Questions

The quiz applies USCIS regulatory criteria from the USCIS Policy Manual Vol 6, Part F (employment-based immigration). The rules it checks are deterministic — not predictions. However, several criteria require subjective USCIS evaluation (e.g., “original contributions of major significance” for EB-1A, “substantial merit and national importance” for EB-2 NIW), so a strong-fit result is NOT a guarantee of approval. Always confirm with an immigration attorney.
SECTION 05

Data Source & Methodology

Primary source: USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 6 “Immigrants,” Part F “Employment-Based Classifications.” Chapters referenced: Ch 2 (EB-1 Extraordinary Ability), Ch 3 (EB-1 Outstanding Researcher/Professor), Ch 4 (EB-1 Multinational Manager/Executive), Ch 5 (EB-2), Ch 6 (EB-3). For EB-2 NIW, scoring uses the three-prong test from Matter of Dhanasar, 26 I&N Dec. 884 (AAO 2016). For STEM NIW weighting, the widget follows the 2022 USCIS policy memo on STEM and NIW. USCIS has significant discretion in evaluating subjective criteria; this tool surfaces fit, not final eligibility.

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This is a planning aid. EB category eligibility requires attorney review of your full evidence portfolio. USCIS evaluates several criteria subjectively (“original contributions of major significance,” “substantial merit,” “international recognition”). A strong-fit result is NOT a guarantee. Filing in the wrong category can cost years of wait time and filing fees.

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Related Tools
When to Start Your Green CardFind your critical PERM and I-140 deadlines before your H-1B 6-year limit.INTERACTIVE TOOLGreen Card EstimatorEstimate your green card timeline from PERM to I-485.INTERACTIVE TOOLPriority Date TrackerTrack EB priority dates with monthly movement data.LIVE DATA
Related Guides
EB-1 / EB-2 / EB-3 OverviewComplete breakdown of the employment-based green card categoriesH-1B to Green CardHow H-1B holders transition to permanent residencyPERM Labor CertificationStep-by-step guide to the PERM process
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