Visa comparison
See the differences that decide your route
Start with two visas. We surface the biggest tradeoffs first, then let you open only the details you need.
Start here
Top differences
Updated for 2026
Professional
Retirement
Income or investment
Commonly cited planning figure: $482/month; verify current route
Commonly cited planning figure: $1,446/month; verify current route
Realistic timeline
Varies by file and government workflow
Varies by file and government workflow
Main advantage
May fit applicants whose credential evidence matches the route
May fit applicants with clearly documented pension evidence
Main hurdle
Degree registration, evidence, and current category rules must align
Income classification, continuity, and current category rules must align
Dig deeper
More details, when you need them
Degree requiredEducation
Professional
May be relevant; verify current credential rulesRetirement
Not generally the route basis; verify current checklistSENESCYT registrationEducation
Professional
May be required; verify the live checklistRetirement
May not be required; verify current checklistEmployer or client proofDocuments
Professional
Depends on the current activity and evidence rulesRetirement
Depends on the current activity and evidence rulesHealth insuranceDocuments
Professional
Check the current category checklistRetirement
Check the current category checklistDocument complexityDocuments
Professional
Medium — credential and registration evidence may add stepsRetirement
Varies — pension source and current evidence must be reviewedRemote workWork rights
Professional
Activity and work rules must be verifiedRetirement
Work activity must be checked against current status rulesOngoing income proofRenewal
Professional
Current renewal or status evidence appliesRetirement
Current renewal or status evidence appliesInitial visa durationResidency
Professional
Current category procedure controlsRetirement
Current category procedure controlsPath to permanent residencyResidency
Professional
Later review may be available; not automaticRetirement
Later review may be available; not automaticDependentsFamily
Professional
Dependent route may be available; verify current procedureRetirement
Dependent route may be available; verify current procedureEcuaPass service quoteSupport
Professional
Quote after case reviewRetirement
Quote after case reviewGovernment feesCosts
Professional
Standard government feeRetirement
Standard government feeSenior discountCosts
Professional
Potential discount; verify current scheduleRetirement
Potential discount; verify current scheduleStill close?
Get a recommendation based on your situation.
The six-step eligibility quiz weighs your income, education, work, and family route.
Estimates reflect common 2026 cases; document specifics can change the final route.
How this page is sourced and reviewed
Owner: EcuaPass editorial team. Last reviewed July 31, 2026; review due October 1, 2026.
Reviewer: Immigration professional review required before threshold changes.
Educational planning information only. It does not determine eligibility, replace individualized legal advice, or guarantee an approval, timeline, fee, or outcome.
Review status: source-controlled review record.
Primary sources
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