EB2 vs EB3 Comparison Chart | Visafig Official Figures
In the August 2026 bulletin, India EB-2 is Unavailable while India EB-3 sits at January 1, 2014 — a gap wide enough that many applicants downgrade. Most comparison pages only list definitions; this eb2 vs eb3 comparison chart puts real numbers side by side. You’ll see the latest cutoff for your country and the actual USCIS filing fees, so you can judge which employment path is faster and what it costs. The calculator does the rest.
Photo: Tingey Injury Law Firm via UnsplashCurrent Cutoff — August 2026 (Final Action Dates)
Higher bar = cutoff closer to today (shorter effective wait). Source: U.S. Department of State, Visa Bulletin August 2026.
Typical Filing Fees (USCIS, 2024)
| Item | EB-2 | EB-3 |
|---|---|---|
| Form I-140 (petition) | $715 | $715 |
| Form I-485 (adjustment) | $1440 | $1440 |
| Form I-765 (EAD) | $260 | $260 |
| Form I-131 (AP) | $630 | $630 |
Fees are government filing fees only and exclude attorney, translation, medical, and photo costs. Always confirm at uscis.gov/forms.
Government filing fees (same for EB-2 and EB-3)
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I file EB-2 or EB-3?
It depends on your degree, job offer, and your country's cutoff. EB-2 usually needs an advanced degree or NIW plus PERM; EB-3 needs a bachelor's or skilled role. When EB-2 retrogresses — India EB-2 is Unavailable in August 2026 — applicants with an earlier priority date often 'downgrade' to EB-3.
Are the filing fees really the same for EB-2 and EB-3?
The core USCIS government fees are identical — I-140 ($715), I-485 ($1,440), EAD ($260), AP ($630). What changes is attorney strategy, whether you pursue NIW (no PERM), and timing — not the form fees themselves.
What does the fee chart show?
Each bar is one government filing fee in the typical employment AOS bundle. I-485 is the heaviest line item at $1,440; the rest are smaller but add up, and they're the same whether you go EB-2 or EB-3.
Can I be in both EB-2 and EB-3 at once?
Yes. Many applicants keep dual eligibility and use whichever cutoff is friendlier in a given month, including filing an EB-3 'downgrade' while an EB-2 case is pending. Review the strategy with an attorney.