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:
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.
Criteria for National Interest Waiver
- 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.
Note: Employment-based, second-preference petitions must usually be accompanied by an approved Application for Permanent Employment Certification from the Department of Labor on ETA Form 9089, however, you may request a waiver of this requirement for a National Interest Waiver case.
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.
For more information on filing fees, Contact Round The Globe Immigration Services.
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.
