The EB-2 visa is a US employment-based immigration option for individuals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability in their field. It plays a key role in attracting global talent to the American workforce and offers a clear pathway to permanent residency—and, eventually, citizenship.
Whether you’re planning to relocate for work or are looking to switch from another visa, this Remitly guide will give you all the information you need for a successful EB-2 visa application, from eligibility criteria to documentation, timelines, and common challenges.
What is the EB-2 visa?
The EB-2 visa is a second-preference employment-based green card that offers a path to US residency for highly skilled professionals. It’s designed for individuals who can contribute significantly to the US economy, culture, or national interest.
Applicants generally qualify in one of three ways: holding an advanced degree and a job offer from a US employer, demonstrating exceptional ability in their field, or showing that their work will significantly benefit the US. The most common route involves employee sponsorship, which requires completing the labor certification process (PERM).
Each fiscal year (1 October to 30 September), around 40,000 EB-2 visas are issued—roughly 28.6% of the total employment-based visa quota under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
The advantages of holding an EB-2 visa
The top benefit of the EB-2 visa is that it offers a direct route to permanent residency in the US. If your petition is approved, you’ll get a green card and become a lawful permanent resident of the US. This means that you can work for anyone, travel freely within and outside of the US, and access public services and private programs.
It also opens up a path to US citizenship, which you can apply for after successfully staying in the country for a set period and fulfilling other eligibility criteria.
Additional benefits include:
- Shorter wait times compared to other employment-based green cards, thanks to its high preference category.
- You can bring your spouse and unmarried children under 21 to live in the US (via the E-21 or E-22 visa). In most cases, your dependents will also be able to work and study in the US while you’re there. That means your spouse can interview for jobs, and your children could apply to college or even look for an internship in the US.
EB-2 visa limitations
While there are lots of benefits to holding the EB-2 visa, there are also some limitations:
- Most applicants will need an employer to sponsor their application. The employer will need to complete the permanent labor certification process (PERM), which can be lengthy and complex.
- Annual caps apply, meaning that applicants from high-demand countries (like India or China) might face longer wait times.
- Self-petition is only possible through the National Interest Waiver route, which has a high bar for approval.
EB-2 visa requirements
There are a few ways that you can qualify for the EB-2 visa, depending on your education, skills, and intended role in the US. In the next few sections, we’ll walk through each pathway and outline what you’ll need to meet the relevant eligibility criteria.
EB-2 advanced degree requirements
One of the most popular ways to qualify for the EB-2 visa is by holding a US master’s degree or higher, or the foreign equivalent. You could also qualify if you hold a US bachelor’s degree and have at least five years of progressive, post-baccalaureate work experience in your field.
You’ll also need a permanent job offer from a US employer, along with an approved labor certificate showing that there aren’t any qualified American workers who can fill the open role.
These standards have been put in place to ensure that applicants bring a high level of expertise to their roles and will contribute meaningfully to the US workforce.
Getting an EB-2 visa because of exceptional ability
You could also qualify for the EB-2 visa if you’re able to show that you have a level of expertise that’s significantly greater than others who practice in the sciences, the arts, or business.
To meet this standard, you would need to provide evidence of at least three of the following:
- Academic records (degrees or certificates)
- Letters from employers showing 10+ years of full-time experience
- Professional licenses or certifications
- High salary or earnings
- Membership in selective professional associations
- Recognition via awards or contributions from peers or industry bodies
As with the advanced degree category, you’ll need to have an offer of employment from a business that’s gone through the PERM process.
The National Interest Waiver
The National Interest Waiver (NIW) allows qualified applicants to skip the usual job offer and PERM labor certification by showing that their work is of national interest.
To succeed with this petition, you need to qualify for the EB-2 visa either because of your advanced degree or exceptional ability.
Then, you’ll need to meet the requirements of the three-pronged Dhanasar test: your proposed endeavor must have substantial merit and national importance, you are well-positioned to carry it out, and waiving job and labor certification requirements must benefit the US overall.
To apply, you’ll self-petition using Form I-140 along with a compelling petition letter, supporting evidence (e.g. publications or reference letters), and the ETA-9089 Application.
EB-2 visa application guide
The steps you’ll follow when applying for an EB-2 visa will vary depending on the grounds for your application (i.e., whether you have an advanced degree or exceptional ability). However, there are some general guidelines you can follow.
Step 1: Secure a job offer
Unless you qualify for a NIW, you’ll need to get a permanent job offer from a US employer who is willing to sponsor you.
Step 2: Obtain a PERM labor certification
Your sponsoring employer must file the ETA-9089 PERM application with the US Department of Labor to show that no qualified American is available or qualified for the role. This step often involves recruitment efforts, so it can take from several months to a year to complete.
Step 3: File Form I-140
Next, it’s time to submit the Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker form to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The prospective employer generally files this form, but individuals applying under the NIW will have to file it themselves.
Besides the form, you or your potential employer will also need to submit documents that prove your qualifications, the job requirements, and your employer’s ability to pay.
Step 4: Approval and processing
Once your I‑140 is approved and a visa number is available, you will get your visa. You will then need to file Form I‑485 to register as a permanent resident. After that, your dependents can apply for E-21 or E-22 permits.
EB-2 visa documentation
Before you file, it’s essential to gather all required documents to support each stage of your EB‑2 application. Here are the key items you’ll need:
- Job offer letter and ETA‑9089: All EB-2 applications need to be accompanied by the ETA-9089 form. Petitioners who are applying under a NIW don’t need a job offer letter.
- Academic credentials: Degrees, transcripts, and any foreign equivalency evaluations, especially for advanced-degree or exceptional-ability paths.
- Letters of recommendation: Ideally 5 to 7 letters from independent, respected experts describing your national impact. This is particularly important for NIW or exceptional-ability petitions.
- Evidence of professional achievement: Include publications, awards, citations, licenses, or proof of a high salary to demonstrate exceptional ability.
- Form I-140 supporting documents: Show your employer’s ability to pay, detailed job descriptions, and any required forms per USCIS instructions.
EB-2 visa processing times
There are massive variances in how long it can take for your EB-2 visa to be issued. Altogether, a standard EB‑2 application takes 18 to 30+ months, depending on audits, backlogs, and your country’s priority date.
To kick things off, the PERM labor certification typically takes around 3 to 4 months, although audits or recruitment delays can add another 12 months.
Then, once your PERM certification is approved, it can take anything from 4 to 9 months for the USCIS to process Form I-140. Although this process can be sped up to around 15 calendar days if you choose the (much more expensive) premium processing option.
After your I‑140 is approved and your priority date becomes current in the monthly Visa Bulletin, you may file for adjustment of status (Form I‑485) or go through consular processing. This usually takes another 12 to 18 months.
Understanding the Visa Bulletin
The US Department of State publishes the Visa Bulletin each month to track the availability of green cards. It’s organized by immigrant preference category (like EB‑2 and F2A, for example) and by country of chargeability. Your priority date—the date your PERM or I‑140 was filed—places you in line.
To move forward, your priority date must become “current,” meaning it falls before the cutoff shown in the Final Action Dates chart. In some months, USCIS also uses the Dates for Filing chart to let applicants begin gathering documents earlier.
Monitoring the Visa Bulletin is essential, especially for applicants from high-demand countries, since a current date signals you’re eligible to adjust your status with Form I‑485 or proceed with consular processing.
Common challenges when applying for an EB-2 visa
Navigating the EB-2 visa applications process can feel like running a marathon—particularly when it comes to the labor certification.
PERM applications often face delays or audits if job descriptions aren’t precise, recruitment efforts aren’t properly documented, or prevailing wage determinations are flawed. To avoid this, ensure your employer uses clear, industry-standard roles and maintains detailed recruitment evidence.
Document preparation is another common stumbling block. Incomplete or poorly organized materials, especially with NIW or exceptional ability cases, can trigger requests for evidence (RFEs) or denials. NIW applicants often struggle most with proving that their work has national importance and that waiving job and labor certification requirements would benefit the US overall.
To overcome these challenges, gather comprehensive evidence, including publications, letters of recommendation, and clear job documentation, and organize it methodically.
If your case involves complex credentials or a nuanced NIW argument, it may be wise to consult an experienced immigration lawyer who can anticipate challenges and help build a persuasive petition.
The EB-2 visa gives skilled professionals who have advanced qualifications or exceptional ability—or whose work serves the national interest—the chance to build a life in the US.
Although the process can be complex, it’s also highly navigable with the right preparation. By understanding the eligibility paths, gathering strong documentation, and staying on top of visa timelines, applicants can move forward with confidence.
While this guide covers everything you need to know about the process, you might consider consulting a qualified immigration lawyer if you have a unique or complicated case.
FAQs
What are the eligibility requirements for an EB-2 visa?
Applicants must either hold a US master’s or higher, or foreign equivalent (you can also hold a bachelor’s plus 5 years’ progressive work experience). Alternatively, you need to be able to demonstrate exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business. You’ll also need a job offer and PERM labor certification, unless you’re applying under a National Interest Waiver.
Do I need a PERM labor certification to apply for an EB-2 visa?
In most cases, EB‑2 applicants need an approved PERM labor certification to show that no qualified US workers are available to fill the role they’ve been offered. The only exception is when you apply with a National Interest Waiver, which lets you skip PERM and the job offer requirement.
What is a National Interest Waiver, and who qualifies for one?
A National Interest Waiver (NIW) allows qualified EB‑2 candidates—advanced degree holders or those with exceptional ability—to self-petition without a job offer or PERM certification. This route is available to you if your proposed work has substantial merit, national importance, and would benefit the US as a whole.
How long does it take to process an EB-2 visa application?
Overall, EB‑2 processing typically ranges from 18 to 30+ months. The PERM certification can take anything from 3 to 10 months, while I-140 processing takes 4 to 9 months, and I‑485 or consular processing adds another 12 to 18 months.
Can family members of EB-2 visa holders come to the US?
Yes. Spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 can accompany the primary applicant on derivative visas (E‑21 or E‑22). They are typically allowed to work and pursue education while your green card application is pending.