Side-by-Side Comparison
Visa Comparison Tool
Compare up to 4 visa types side by side — work authorization, spouse rights, green card path, and more.
Select up to 4 visas to compare
| Attribute | F-1 OPTF-1 + Optional Practical Training | H-1BH-1B Specialty Occupation | EB-2 NIWEB-2 National Interest Waiver |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Duration | 12 months (36 with STEM) | 6 years (extendable with GC) | Permanent |
| Work Authorization | Restricted (field-related) | Full (any employer) | Full (any employer) |
| Spouse Can Work | |||
| Self-Petition | |||
| Lottery Required | |||
| Path to Green Card | Possible | Direct path | Direct path |
| Travel Flexibility | medium | high | high |
| Processing Time | Live USCIS lookup | Live USCIS lookup; 15 business days with premium | Visa Bulletin + live USCIS lookup |
| Gov't Fees (approx) | $470 online / $520 paper | $3,330+ online, regular employer | $2,455+ |
| Who qualifies | F-1 students who completed a US degree | Bachelor's degree + specialty job + employer sponsor | Advanced degree + work in national interest, OR exceptional ability |
F-1 OPT
New graduates looking to gain US work experience before H-1B
Pros
- No employer cap or lottery
- Easy to get — approval rate >90%
- STEM OPT adds 2 more years
- Good time to find H-1B sponsor
Cons
- Limited to 12 months (36 STEM)
- Must have job related to degree
- Unemployment limited to 90 days
- No direct path to green card
H-1B
Professionals with employer sponsors who won the lottery
Pros
- Full work authorization
- H-4 EAD for spouse
- Direct path to green card
- Extendable with pending GC
Cons
- Selection odds vary by cycle; duplicate registrations do not improve odds
- Employer-dependent
- $3,330+ in fees paid by employer
- Long India/China green card wait
EB-2 NIW
Researchers, physicians, engineers who can self-petition without employer
Pros
- No employer needed — self-petition
- No PERM labor certification
- Permanent work authorization
- Spouse gets EAD while pending
Cons
- Long wait for India/China nationals
- Must prove national interest (3-prong test)
- I-485 only when PD current
- No guarantee of approval
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