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 foreign national who has exceptional ability. Below are the occupational categories and requirements:
- Professionals holding an advanced degree (beyond a baccalaureate degree), or a baccalaureate degree and at least five years progressive experience in the profession.
- Persons with exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business. Exceptional ability means having a degree of expertise significantly above that ordinarily encountered in the sciences, arts, or business.
EB-2 Criteria
- 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 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.
To qualify for an EB-2 visa, your employer must file a Form I-140, Petition for Alien Worker, unless you are filing for a National Interest Waiver, in which case you can file a Form I-140, Petition for Alien Worker on your own behalf.
As part of the application process, your employer must be able to demonstrate a continuing ability to pay the offered wage as of the priority date. Your employer may use an annual report, federal income tax return, or audited financial statement to demonstrate a continuing ability to pay your wage.
Criteria for National Interest Waiver
A National Interest Waiver is available to obtain based no your situation. Aliens seeking a national interest waiver are requesting that the Labor Certification be waived because it is in the interest of the United States.
Though the jobs that qualify for a national interest waiver are not defined by statute, national interest waivers are usually granted to those who have exceptional ability (see above) and whose employment in the United States would greatly benefit the nation. Those seeking a national interest waiver may self-petition (they do not need an employer to sponsor them) and may file their labor certification directly with USCIS along with their Form I-140, Petition for Alien Worker.
- The proposed endeavor has both substantial merit and national importance.
- You are well positioned to advance the proposed endeavor.
- It would be beneficial to the United States to waive the requirements of a job offer, and thus the labor certification.
Family of EB-2 Visa Holders
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.
We Can Help!
For any additional information or questions regarding the EB-2 visa, such as if you qualify, please call or email MC Law Group to setup a consultation. Our attorneys and staff are qualified in assisting with Employed-Based Visas, get started today!