EB2 Green Card: Advanced Degree or Exceptional Ability

The EB2 green card category is available to individuals with either an advanced degree or exceptional ability in sciences, arts, or business. It is the second-preference employment-based immigrant visa and is widely used by professionals and specialists.

There are two primary subcategories under EB2:

1. Advanced Degree: The applicant must have a U.S. master’s degree (or foreign equivalent), or a U.S. bachelor’s degree plus five years of progressive experience.
2. Exceptional Ability: Applicants must demonstrate a degree of expertise significantly above that normally encountered in their field.

To apply under the standard EB2 route, the employer must obtain a PERM labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor. This process confirms there are no qualified U.S. workers available for the job.

Once the PERM is approved, the employer files Form I-140 with USCIS, providing evidence of the job offer, the applicant’s credentials, and ability to perform the work. Premium processing is available for I-140 petitions, offering faster results.

The EB2 category is popular among engineers, IT professionals, academics, physicians, and other skilled workers. It can be an ideal pathway for professionals who meet the educational or experience requirements and are sponsored by a U.S. employer.

However, depending on the applicant’s country of birth, priority dates may backlog—especially for Indian and Chinese nationals. Applicants should consult the Visa Bulletin for current availability.

For those who wish to self-petition and avoid the PERM requirement, the EB2-NIW (National Interest Waiver) is a separate sub-path under the same EB2 classification.