EB-2 advanced degree or exceptional ability

You may be eligible for an employment-based, second preference visa if you are a member of the professions holding an advanced degree or its equivalent, or a person who has exceptional ability.

An advanced degree is any United States academic or professional degree or a foreign equivalent degree above that of bachelor’s.

You must be able to show exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business.

Exceptional ability “means a degree of expertise significantly above that ordinarily encountered in the sciences, arts, or business.”

An advanced degree is any United States academic or professional degree or a foreign equivalent degree above that of bachelor’s. A U.S. bachelor’s degree (or a foreign equivalent degree) followed by at least five years of progressive experience in the specialty is considered the equivalent of a master's degree.

Exceptional ability “means a degree of expertise significantly above that ordinarily encountered in the sciences, arts, or business.”

* Criteria for Exceptional Ability (must meet at least 3) Official academic record showing that you have a degree, diploma, certificate, or similar award from a college, university, school, or other institution of learning relating to your area of exceptional ability Letters from current or former employers documenting at least 10 years of full-time experience in your occupation A license to practice your profession or certification for your profession or occupation Evidence that you have commanded a salary or other remuneration for services that demonstrates your exceptional ability Membership in a professional association(s) Recognition for your achievements and significant contributions to your industry or field by your peers, government entities, professional or business organizations Other comparable evidence of eligibility is also acceptable.

A U.S. employer must file a Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers , on your behalf, except for petitions based on a national interest waiver, where you may file a Form I-140 on your own behalf.

Those seeking a national interest waiver may self-petition (you do not need an employer to sponsor you) and you do not need to obtain a labor certification from the DOL.

Second preference petitions are usually accompanied by a signed U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)-approved Form ETA-9089, Application for Permanent Employment Certification

If your I-140 petition is approved, your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 may be eligible to apply for admission to the United States in E-21 and E-22 immigrant status, respectively.

Employment Second Preference (E2): Professionals Holding Advanced Degrees and Persons of Exceptional Ability

Once you have paid the USCIS immigrant fee and have been admitted to the U.S. as a permanent resident, your Permanent Resident Card, Form I-551 (formerly called Alien Registration Card, also known as a (green card ) will be mailed to you.