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EB-2 — Employment Second Preference - Advanced Degree
United StatesUnited States•North America
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EB-2 — Employment Second Preference - Advanced Degree

Skilled Migration PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

1.5–10 years

Estimated Cost

USD $6,000–$6,300

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

Indefinite

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Official Information
United States flag

Living in United States

Cost of Living
Baseline
Avg Salary$52,000
Quality of Life
185/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Members of professions holding advanced degrees, or persons of exceptional ability in sciences, arts, or business. NIW (National Interest Waiver) available.

The EB-2 is a US employment-based green card for professionals with an advanced degree (master's or higher, or a bachelor's plus five years of progressive experience) or individuals of exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business.

Around 40,040 visas are available per year, each granting permanent residence directly. Most applicants need employer sponsorship and PERM labor certification; the National Interest Waiver (NIW) lets qualifying individuals self-petition without a job offer. Spouses and children join as dependents and may work.

This visa is ideal for advanced-degree professionals and high-ability experts seeking US permanent residence, particularly those qualifying for the NIW.

United States

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Cost Breakdown

Form I-140 filing feeUSD $715
Asylum Program Fee (Standard)USD $600
Asylum Program Fee (Small)USD $300
Form I-485 filing fee (Adjustment of Status)USD $1,440
DS-260 Immigrant Visa Fee (Consular Processing)USD $345
USCIS Immigrant Fee (Consular Processing)USD $235
Form I-907 Premium Processing Fee (Optional)USD $2,965
TotalUSD $6,000–$6,300

Stay & Extensions

Status typePermanent / indefinite

Annual Cap & Quota

~40,040/year

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Advanced Degree Professionals: Possession of a U.S. advanced degree (master's or higher) or a foreign equivalent, or a U.S. bachelor's degree plus at least 5 years of progressive post-degree experience.

Exceptional Ability: Expertise significantly above that ordinarily encountered in sciences, arts, or business; must meet at least 3 of 6 specific criteria (e.g., academic records, 10+ years of experience, professional licenses, high salary).

National Interest Waiver (NIW): Available for those whose work has substantial merit and national importance, is well-positioned to advance the endeavor, and for whom it would be beneficial to waive the labor certification requirement.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

Experience

5+ years

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Form I-140 and filing fee ($715).

Certified PERM Labor Certification (except for NIW).

Academic degrees, transcripts, and professional certifications.

Letters from previous employers verifying experience.

Evidence of exceptional ability (for EB-2B) or national interest (for NIW).

Employer's financial records (to prove ability to pay wage).

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Path to permanent residency for highly skilled professionals.
  • NIW allows for self-petitioning and bypasses the labor certification process.
  • Spouse and children under 21 can accompany the applicant.
  • Generally faster than EB-3 category.

Worth Knowing

  • Standard EB-2 requires the lengthy and rigorous PERM labor certification process.
  • NIW requires a high burden of proof regarding 'national interest'.
  • Subject to visa availability and potential backlogs.
  • Employer sponsorship is required for non-NIW applicants.
  • PERM processing adds time
  • Country backlog (India, China)

Application Process

1

File I-140 petition

Self-petition or employer files with USCIS

2

USCIS approval

Wait for I-140 approval

3

Wait for priority date

If visa numbers unavailable

4

File I-485 or DS-260

Adjust status or consular processing

5

Attend interview

If consular processing

6

Receive green card

Permanent resident status

Application Forms

I-140
Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers
Fill online
ETA 9089
Application for Permanent Employment Certification
Fill online
I-485
Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
Fill online
DS-260
Online Immigrant Visa Application
Fill online
I-907
Request for Premium Processing Service
Fill online

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