EB-2 Advanced Degree or Exceptional Ability (Immigrant)
🇺🇸 United States visas · Work
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EB-2 Advanced Degree or Exceptional Ability (Immigrant)
EB-2 Advanced Degree or Exceptional Ability (Immigrant)
United States · Work
What it is
Second-preference employment-based immigrant visa for professionals holding advanced degrees and individuals with exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business.
Key facts
- Category
- Work
- Duration
- Permanent residence (Green Card)
- Processing time
- Variable; significant priority-date backlogs for India and China (often 5+ years)
- Path to permanent residence
- Direct route
- Dependants
- Yes
- How to apply
- Embassy
Standard figures for this route. Some applicants pay a reduced fee or none at all, so confirm your own case on the official page.
Fees
- Application fee
- USD 345
Key requirements
- Advanced degree (beyond bachelor's) or bachelor's plus 5 years of progressive experience
- Or exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business
- Generally requires PERM labor certification and a job offer
- National Interest Waiver available to waive the job-offer requirement
- Approved Form I-140 petition by USCIS
Working on this visa
Lawful permanent residents are authorized to be employed without restrictions as to location or type of employment (8 CFR 274a.12(a)(1)).
Facts checked against the official source. Last updated 1 August 2026.