EB-2
EB-2 is an employment-based green card category for professionals with an advanced degree or exceptional ability. Outside of the National Interest Waiver, it generally requires a U.S. employer and a labor certification.
Advanced degree or exceptional ability
What is generally evaluated
- An advanced degree, meaning a master's or higher, or a bachelor's followed by five years of progressive experience, or exceptional ability in the sciences, arts or business
- A permanent, full-time job offer from a U.S. employer in a position that requires that profile
- A labor certification approved by the U.S. Department of Labor, unless an exception applies
The role of the employer
The employer takes part in the process: it generally goes through the labor certification and files the petition. Our firm does not find jobs or employers for candidates, so this path applies when there is already a company interested in hiring.
EB-2 or EB-2 NIW?
Both belong to the same preference category. The difference is that the National Interest Waiver asks the government to waive the job offer and labor certification. Which option makes sense depends on the person's background and on whether there is an employer.
Common questions
I do not have an employer. Is EB-2 possible?
Not in its standard form. It may be worth analyzing whether your profile fits the National Interest Waiver or another path.
Can my family be included?
A spouse and unmarried children under 21 may generally be included as dependents in the process.
General information only. Eligibility, approval and timing depend on each case and cannot be guaranteed.