EB-2 Visa for Advanced
Degree Professionals
Your Path to U.S. Permanent Residency
At Kameli Law, we help highly skilled professionals obtain U.S. permanent residence through the EB-2 Advanced Degree Professionals visa — a leading employment-based pathway for individuals whose expertise contributes to the U.S. economy and innovation.
Our attorneys handle every stage — from eligibility review and PERM certification to Green Card approval — with a compliance-focused approach that ensures accuracy, transparency, and efficiency.
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Find out if your education and experience meet EB-2 requirements.
What Is the EB-2 Advanced Degree Professionals Visa?
Do You Qualify?
Understanding EB-2 Eligibility
Advanced Degree Category
You may qualify if you hold one of the following:
- A U.S. advanced degree (Master’s, Ph.D., J.D., M.D., etc.), or
- A foreign equivalent evaluated by a credentialing service, or
- A U.S. bachelor’s degree (or foreign equivalent) plus five years of progressive, post-baccalaureate work experience.
Exceptional Ability Category
If you don’t hold an advanced degree, you may still qualify by proving “exceptional ability” in the sciences, arts, or business. You must meet at least three USCIS criteria, such as:
- Ten or more years of full-time experience in your field.
- A license to practice your profession.
- Recognition for achievements or a high level of compensation.
Job Offer and Labor Certification
In most EB-2 cases, you must have:
- A permanent full-time job offer from a U.S. employer requiring an advanced degree, and
- An approved PERM Labor Certification verifying that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the role.
(If your work benefits the U.S. nationally, you may instead qualify under the EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW). Learn more on our:
Key Benefits of the EB-2 Visa
- Direct Path to a Green Card for you and your family.
- Family Inclusion: Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can also obtain Green Cards.
- Career Flexibility: Freedom to change employers or advance once permanent residence is granted.
- Faster Timelines: EB-2 often has shorter backlogs than other employment categories.
Processing Times and Priority Dates
Processing typically ranges from 18 months to several years, depending on:
- The applicant’s country of birth and Visa Bulletin availability.
- DOL and USCIS case volumes.
- Whether premium processing is requested for the I-140 petition.
The EB-2 Application Journey
Kameli Law provides step-by-step support through all three required stages:
PERM Labor Certification (DOL)
Your employer must complete recruitment, document compliance, and file ETA Form 9089 with the Department of Labor to confirm no qualified U.S. workers are available.
After PERM approval, the employer files Form I-140 to prove your qualifications and the company’s ability to pay the offered wage.
Form I-140 (USCIS Immigrant Petition)
Green Card Application
Once the I-140 is approved and your priority date is current:
Inside the U.S. — File Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status)
Outside the U.S. — Complete Consular Processing through a U.S. embassy or consulate
Check If You Qualify for EB-2
Our team will review your credentials and outline the fastest route to permanent residency.
Required Documentation
Educational Evidence
- Diplomas and official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions.
- Credential evaluation for foreign degrees confirming U.S. equivalency.
Professional Evidence
- Résumé or curriculum vitae.
- Employment verification letters.
- Professional licenses, certifications, publications, and industry recognitions.
Employer Evidence
- Offer letter and detailed job description.
- Proof that the position requires an advanced degree.
- Financial and recruitment documentation for PERM compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for EB-2 without an employer?
Yes. Under the National Interest Waiver (NIW), you may self-petition if your work benefits the U.S. substantially.
Is a foreign degree acceptable?
Yes, if an accredited evaluator confirms its equivalence to a U.S. advanced degree.
Can I change jobs during the process?
Under AC21 portability, you may switch to a “same or similar” role once your I-140 is approved and your I-485 has been pending at least 180 days.
How is EB-2 different from EB-3?
EB-2 requires higher qualifications (advanced degree / exceptional ability) and typically has shorter visa backlogs.
Request a Free EB-2 Case Review
Get professional insight on eligibility, timing, and documentation before starting your petition.