What is an EB-2 Visa?
The EB-2 visa is an employment-based visa issued to foreign nationals with advanced degrees or “extraordinary ability.” EB-2 visa holders are eligible to become lawful permanent residents of the United States.
What are the requirements to obtain an EB-2 visa?
You must have either (1) an advanced degree (a degree beyond a bachelor’s degree) in the field you want to work in; or (2) a bachelor’s degree plus at least five years of work experience in the field of expertise. Additionally, you must have a job offer in the field in which you obtained your advanced degree. Other EB-2 pathways, such as EB2A, EB2B and EB2C, have slightly different requirements. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services website explains these visa types and their requirements in greater detail.
Can I get an EB-2 visa without a job offer?
Yes, some applicants may be eligible for a National Interest Waiver, which allows the applicant to forgo working with an employer.
What are the advantages to applying for an EB-2 visa using a National Interest Waiver?
This special visa can help foreign professionals with exceptional skills, advanced degrees, or extraordinary abilities get permanent residence in the United States without needing a sponsor or a job offer from their current employer. By relying on their professional qualifications and accomplishments alone–most EB-2 visa applicants have advanced degrees in science, technology, math, engineering, or medicine–they can effectively bypass the more time-consuming PERM certification process. This makes the EB-2 National Interest Waiver visa an attractive and viable option for high-skilled immigrants.
What documents are required for an EB-2 National Interest Waiver visa application?
To get an EB-2 National Interest Waiver visa, you must provide documentation of your education and credentials. Successful applications usually include the following:
- Academic credentials and degree certificates. Provide official transcripts and certified documents from all educational institutions in which you are currently enrolled, both inside and outside the US.; official transcripts from institutions that you have attended in the past; letters of recommendation from deans or department chairs of these institutions.
- Current licenses, registrations or qualifications. Provide copies of your current licenses, registrations, or qualifications. You will also need letters of recommendation, which should include proof of your unique abilities and accomplishments in your field. These can be from former professors, colleagues or supervisors.
- Evidence of your contributions. Provide clear evidence that you have made a significant and original contribution to your field. Such evidence might include published articles, research papers, patents, etc. Evidence that your achievements have been recognized nationally or internationally will also be needed. Anything that demonstrates your expertise beyond your home region will help you fulfill this requirement.
- Letter of recommendation for a national interest waiver. Obtain a letter of recommendation from an industry expert (e.g. former professor, colleague or supervisor) explaining why it is in the national interest of the United States to waive an offer or labor certification for you as an applicant.
- Confirmation that you plan to work further in the national interest of the United States. This can be a contract or agreement with the United States employer, or a letter of motivation.
- Identity documents. Provide proof of who you are and where you were born. This can be done with copies of your passport, birth certificate, and national ID card.
How difficult is it to get an EB-2 National Interest Waiver visa?
EB-2 National Interest Waiver applicants have a high success rate. Around 80% of such applications are successful annually, with an even higher success rate for applicants from STEM professions.