EB2 Visa – Exceptional Ability
A foreign citizen may apply for an Employment-Based Immigrant Visa, Second Preference Category, or EB2 visa. If USCIS approves the application, the foreign citizen and his or her spouse and children may receive permanent resident cards and can apply for citizenship after five years. There are three categories of an EB2 visa in which the foreign citizen may apply: 1) Advanced Degree, 2) Exceptional Ability, and 3) National Interest Waiver
EB2 Visa Exceptional Ability
- The applicant must demonstrate that he or she has an exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business. Exceptional ability means “a degree of expertise significantly above that ordinarily encountered in the sciences, arts, or business.”
- An employer must sponsor an employee in this category.
- The government caps the number of EB2 visas to approximately 40,000 per year. Most countries do not have a long wait list; however, Indians have unreasonably long wait times in this category. Click here to see current processing times for EB2 visas per country.
- Most applicants in this category hold a doctorate degree.
- The government requires both Labor Certification and Prevailing Wage Determination unless it waives labor certification.
- An Applicant must prove at least three of the criteria listed below:
- Official academic record showing a degree, diploma, certificate, or similar award from a college, university, school, or other institution of learning relating to the area of exceptional ability
- Letters documenting at least 10 years of full-time experience in the occupation
- Professional license
- Salary history reflecting the applicant’s exceptional ability
- Membership in a professional association(s)
- Recognition for achievements and significant contributions to the applicant’s industry or field by peers, government entities, professional or business organizations
- Other comparable evidence of eligibility is also acceptable.
Choose a Qualified Immigration Attorney to Represent your Interests
Naples immigration attorney Carl Rothrock has represented immigration clients from all over the world. He has been licensed since 1989 and is admitted to practice before the Board of Immigration Appeals and all Immigration Courts in the United States. To schedule a free initial consultation, call the Rothrock Law Firm at 239-206-2363.