The EB-2 visa is a category of immigrant visas in the United States that is specifically designed for foreign professionals who either have exceptional ability in their field or have advanced degrees. It is offered under the Employment-Based Immigration system. The primary purpose of this visa category is to:
- Advanced Degree Holders (EB-2A): Intended for professionals who possess a bachelor’s degree and at least five years of progressive work experience in their discipline, or with a master’s degree or higher.
- Individuals with Exceptional Ability (EB-2B): This category is reserved for individuals who have exhibited exceptional talent in the sciences, arts, or business and can substantiate their accomplishments with evidence of sustained national or international recognition in their field.
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Eligibility Criteria for American EB-2 VISA in 2024
- EB-2A Category: Intended for individuals who possess a bachelor’s degree and at least five years of relevant work experience, or a master’s degree or higher.
- EB-2B Category: Intended for individuals who possess exceptional skills in the sciences, arts, or commerce and must provide evidence of sustained national or international recognition.
Employment with an EB-2 Visa
- Job Flexibility: Holders are entitled to pursue any employment opportunity in the United States, in the same manner as US citizens.
- Employer Sponsorship Not Required: This visa eliminates the necessity for employer sponsorship, thereby expanding employment opportunities.
Benefits of US Green Card on EB-2 VISA for Job Seekers
- Permanent Residency: An EB-2 Green Card provides permanent residency, enabling job seekers to reside and work in the United States indefinitely. Additionally, it offers increased employment security, as they are no longer dependent on a particular employer for their visa status.
- Work Freedom: Upon the approval of the Green Card, job candidates are no longer restricted by the specific employer who sponsored them. Their visa status is not jeopardized by their ability to change professions or employers at will.
- Green Card holders are eligible to petition for U.S.: citizenship after five years of residency, which provides them with the same benefits as a U.S. citizen and provides them with long-term stability.
- Job Flexibility: EB-2 Green Card holders are granted the ability to work in any industry or job position, which is a significant advantage over visa holders who are frequently restricted to a particular occupation or employer.
- Benefits Accessibility: Green Card holders are entitled to a variety of federal and state benefits, such as healthcare programs, education grants, and social security benefits.
- Spouse and Family Inclusion: The EB-2 visa enables families to reside together in the United States and enjoy comparable benefits by allowing spouses and unmarried children under 21 to apply for Green Cards.
- Increased Earning Potential: Green Card holders can pursue higher-paying employment without the need for employer sponsorship or visa-related restrictions due to their unrestricted access to the U.S. job market.
- Financial Aid and Loans: Green Card holders are eligible for federal student loans, which can be advantageous for those who wish to pursue higher education in the United States. Furthermore, they have improved access to financial products, such as mortgages.
- Job Security: The permanent residency status safeguards individuals from future changes to immigration policies or visa restrictions, ensuring that job applicants can continue working in the United States without concern for the loss of their work authorization.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for an EB-2 Visa of USA in 2024
A comprehensive, multi-step process is required to apply for an EB-2 visa. The following is a comprehensive guide that will assist you in navigating the application:
Step 1:Determine Your Eligibility
EB-2A: Please verify that you possess a master’s degree or higher, or a bachelor’s degree with five years of progressive experience.
EB-2B: Provide substantial documentation to support your exceptional skills in the sciences, arts, or business.
Step 2: Obtain a job offer (Unless Applying for NIW)
Obtain a job offer from a U.S. employer in your profession. For NIW (National Interest Waiver) applicants, this step is not required.
Step 3: PERM Labor Certification (Not Required for NIW)
The Department of Labor (DOL) requires your U.S. employer to apply for PERM Labor Certification The process entails demonstrating that there are no qualified U.S. laborers available for your position.
Step 4: File Form I-140 I-140, the Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker.
Upon the certification of PERM, your employer submits Form I-140 to USCIS. For NIW applicants, it is possible to submit a self-petition, as well.
Step 5: Await the Priority Date and Visa Bulletin.
The filing date of your PERM application (or I-140 if NIW) is the date on which your priority date is determined. To ensure that your priority date is current, consult the monthly Visa Bulletin published by the U.S. Department of State.
Step 6: File Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (If in the United States).
If you are currently in the United States and are seeking to change your status to permanent resident, submit Form I-485 once your priority date is current.
Step 7: Consular Processing (If Located Outside of the United States)
If you are currently located outside of the United States, you must undergo consular processing and subsequently attend an interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your native country once your priority date becomes current.
Step 8: Attend the Interview
Complete the interview process at the U.S. consulate (abroad) or through USCIS (in the U.S.) submit all required documentation and respond to interview inquiries.
Step 9: You will receive your visa or green card.
Upon approval, you will be issued an EB-2 visa mark in your passport for consular processing. After Form I-485 is approved, you will receive your green card by mail if you are in the United States.
- Step 10: Enter the United States (If Consular Processing Is Required)
- Your green card will be mailed to your U.S. address after you enter the U.S. with your EB-2 visa.
Estimated Application Fees of EB-2 VISA in 2024
Mandatory Fees:
- $700 for Form I-140
Immigrant Fee: $220
$750-$1,140 for Form I-485 - Fee for biometrics: $85
- Form DS-260 (for applicants from outside the United States): $325
Optional Fees:
- Premium Processing: $1,440
- Legal Fees: Varies
- Estimated Total: A minimum of $2,145 (within the United States) or $2,720 (outside the United States), although actual costs may differ.
The EB-2 visa provides a valuable opportunity for highly qualified professionals who wish to reside and operate in the United States. Applicants can effectively navigate this path with the appropriate preparation, networking, and comprehension of the process. To optimize your prospects of success, it is crucial to conduct comprehensive research and seek the advice of a professional.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Who is eligible for an EB-2 Green Card?
For the first sub-category, the applicant must possess a degree that is superior to a U.S. bachelor’s degree, e.g. a master’s degree. However, the EB-2 visa can also be contemplated if the applicant has a U.S. bachelor’s degree (or equivalent foreign degree) and cinco años of relevant professional experience.
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How long does it take to get an employment-based green card in EB-2?
The EB-2 green card process takes eight months to 2 years of processing time. For an EB-2 visa, you have to go through the PERM labor certification application, and you also have to file Form I-140. The actual green card application is filed after the USCIS approves your I-140 petition.
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Can I get a green card if I get a job in the US?
As a working professional, you may qualify for a green card by receiving a job offer from a United States employer. This can be one of the best ways to get your Green Card. The process is straightforward and can be completed quickly.