Chinese nationals (those born in China, PRC) face a significant but somewhat shorter backlog than Indian nationals. Here is the complete picture:
**The EB-2 and EB-3 Backlog:** As of 2026, the EB-2 China priority date is approximately 2019 — meaning applicants who filed PERM in 2019 are getting approvals. This is much better than India's situation but still a 7–10 year wait for new filers. EB-3 China is around 2020.
**EB-1A Strategy (No Backlog):** Unlike EB-2/EB-3, EB-1A (Extraordinary Ability) has no country backlog for any nationality. Chinese nationals with strong research records, publications, awards, or patent portfolios are strong EB-1A candidates. Many Chinese researchers in academia and tech have successfully used EB-1A to bypass the backlog entirely.
**Security Clearance considerations:** Chinese nationals may face limitations in obtaining US security clearances needed for certain defense or government positions. This affects career options at defense contractors, intelligence community vendors, and some federal agencies.
**H1B lottery and visa stamping:** Chinese nationals face the same ~18% lottery odds as everyone else. Visa stamping in China has had processing challenges — Shanghai and Guangzhou consulates are available, but waits can be significant. Singapore and Canada are popular third-country stamping options for Chinese H1B holders.
**Top H1B employers for Chinese nationals:** Google, Meta, Amazon, Microsoft, and major tech companies have the highest concentrations of Chinese national H1B holders. Academic institutions (MIT, Stanford, CMU, Berkeley) are cap-exempt alternatives.