EB-3 vs EB-2: How the Job Decides Your Category
The category depends on the job's minimum requirements, not your degree. EB-3 always needs an employer, and neither category is guaranteed faster.
Short answer: Whether a case is EB-2 or EB-3 depends on the minimum requirements the employer's job states in the PERM, not on your personal education. EB-3 always requires an employer, and each category has its own waiting line, so neither is guaranteed to be faster.
This article explains how to tell which category a job fits and what Taiwanese applicants should weigh. If you are already in an EB-3 case and want to know about moving up and your priority date, read EB-3 vs EB-2: can you move up and keep your date?.
Is the job EB-2 or EB-3?
An EB-2 job must require an advanced degree (a master's, or a bachelor's plus 5 years of progressive experience) or exceptional ability. EB-3 covers three kinds of jobs: skilled workers (at least 2 years of experience), professionals (a bachelor's degree) and Other Workers (less than 2 years of training or experience). A job requiring only a bachelor's or 2 years of experience is generally EB-3, while a job that genuinely requires a bachelor's plus 5 years of progressive experience may qualify as EB-2. What matters is the minimum requirement written in the PERM. A labor certification cannot be adjusted to fit a particular worker.
How do the waiting lines compare?
Taiwan-born applicants are in the worldwide quota. For EB-3 Other Workers, the October 2026 Visa Bulletin final action date is January 1, 2022 (Dates for Filing June 1, 2022), and the November 2026 bulletin moves it to June 1, 2022. EB-2 dates must be read from the current bulletin, and we do not quote them here. Which category is "faster" changes each month and no category is guaranteed faster. An early priority date often matters more than the category label.
EB-2 and EB-3 compared
| Point | EB-2 | EB-3 |
| Job's minimum requirement | Master's, or bachelor's plus 5 years, or exceptional ability | 2 years of experience, bachelor's, or under 2 years (Other Workers) |
| Employer required? | Usually; NIW can waive | Always; no self-petition |
| PERM | Usually required | Generally required |
| Taiwan backlog | Worldwide quota, separate dates | Worldwide quota, separate dates |
| Best fit | Jobs that truly require an advanced degree or exceptional ability | Skilled, professional and unskilled jobs |
What should I keep in mind when choosing?
Do not force an EB-2 filing just because it is a higher preference if the job does not support it, since that wastes time. EB-2 NIW allows self-petition, but the standard is strict and needs separate evaluation. By law the employer must pay all PERM costs and cannot charge them to you. Ask the employer's attorney to compare the job requirements, your background and the current bulletin before deciding. For the overall process, see our EB-3 overview and the jobs page.
Last updated: 30 October 2026
This article is general information only and is not legal or tax advice.
Questions? admin@usa-eb3.com, WhatsApp +852 6888 4742, LINE oscar_gi.
Frequently asked questions
I have a master's degree. Can I use EB-2?
Only if the employer's job itself requires an advanced degree. The category is set by the job's minimum requirements, not by your education.
Can I self-petition for EB-3?
No. EB-3 always requires a U.S. employer. EB-2 NIW is one of the few self-petition routes, but the standard is strict.
Is EB-2 always faster than EB-3?
No. Each has its own waiting line that changes monthly, and neither is guaranteed to be faster.
What is the EB-3 Other Workers date now?
In the October 2026 bulletin, the final action date for Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau is January 1, 2022. The November 2026 bulletin shows June 1, 2022.
Official sources
General information only, not legal advice. Immigration rules and the Visa Bulletin change; check the official sources above before you decide. Petitions are prepared and filed by the sponsoring employer’s licensed U.S. immigration attorney.