H1B is a technically a non-immigrant visa. H1B recipients, given many many constraints, have the ability to petition to become immigrants. The most accessible

H1B is a technically a non-immigrant visa. H1B recipients, given many many constraints, have the ability to petition to become immigrants. The most accessible pathway for arriving in the US as an immigrant (green card) is family based migration. The only pathway for that which isn't backlogged is for those who are the spouse, non-adult child, or parent of a US citizen. Every other category has long wait times. It's hard to call anybody in this category "unfettered" as there are financial support requirements for petitioners. Getting to the USA on a H1B is far quicker than on an immigrant visa, even for direct family members of US citizens. It takes almost 2 years if there's no flags whatsoever in your case, and flags can things as random as "works with chemicals" or "is a doctor from X state". There is one exception which is international adoption which for some reason every part of the immigrant visa wheel seems to be on full speed for. (source: personal experience with immigrant visa system)