EB-2 Visa, Explained (2025 Guide by TRW Law Firm)
Learn about the eligibility, cost, timeline, and step-by-step process for the EB-2 U.S. visa for professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities.
🌐 What Is an EB-2 Visa?
The EB-2 visa is a U.S. employment-based immigrant visa for foreign nationals who either:
- Possess an advanced degree, or
- Have exceptional ability in their field (e.g., sciences, arts, or business)
EB-2 visa holders become lawful permanent residents (green card holders) of the United States. The EB-2 is a second-preference visa under the U.S. employment-based immigration categories.
There are two primary paths to qualify:
- PERM-Based EB-2 Visa – Sponsored by a U.S. employer, requires labor certification.
- EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) – Allows self-petitioning if the applicant’s work benefits the national interest.
💸 Cost of the EB-2 Visa (2025)
For Applicants in the U.S. (Adjustment of Status):
- Form I-140 (Employer Petition): $715 (paid by employer)
- Form I-485 (Green Card Application): $1440
- USCIS Immigrant Fee: $235
For Applicants Abroad (Consular Processing):
- Form I-140 (Employer Petition): $715
- DS-260 (Visa Application): $345
- Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support): $120
- Immigrant Fee: $235
Note: PERM labor certification has no government fee, but employers incur legal and recruitment costs.
🕒 EB-2 Visa Processing Time
| Stage | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| PERM Labor Certification | ~12 months |
| I-140 Processing | ~7.6 months |
| Premium Processing (optional) | 15 calendar days |
| I-485 (Adjustment of Status) | 7 – 32.5 months |
| Consular Processing (if abroad) | Varies by country |
USCIS provides a Processing Times Tool for checking estimated timelines.
👥 Who Qualifies for an EB-2 Visa?
1. Advanced Degree Category
Applicants must:
- Hold an advanced degree (Master’s, PhD, or equivalent), or
- Hold a bachelor’s degree plus 5 years of progressive post-bachelor’s experience in the field
2. Exceptional Ability Category
Applicants must demonstrate expertise “significantly above that ordinarily encountered” in:
- Sciences
- Arts
- Business
They must meet at least 3 of the following criteria:
- Degree or certification
- 10+ years of full-time experience
- Professional license or certification
- Membership in professional associations
- Recognition from peers or government entities
- High salary or remuneration
3. National Interest Waiver (NIW)
Self-petitioning applicants must show:
- Their work has substantial merit and national importance
- They are well-positioned to carry out the proposed endeavor
- Waiving the job offer & labor cert would benefit the U.S.
📝 EB-2 Visa Application Process
Step 1: PERM Labor Certification (Unless NIW)
Employers must:
- Offer a salary that meets the prevailing wage
- Advertise the position (2 Sunday ads + SWA job order)
- Provide notice to current employees
File Form ETA 9089 with the Department of Labor (DOL)
- Processing time: ~158 days after recruitment
Step 2: File Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition)
Employers (or self-petitioners for NIW) must:
- Submit Form I-140 with supporting evidence
- Prove ability to pay offered wage
- Prove qualifications of the applicant
Premium processing is available for $2,805 for expedited 15-day decisions.
Mailing Addresses for I-140:
USPS: USCIS Attn: I-140 P.O. Box 660128 Dallas, TX 75266-0128
FedEx/UPS/DHL: USCIS Attn: I-140 (Box 660128) 2501 S. State Highway 121 Business Suite 400, Lewisville, TX 75067-8003
Step 3: Biometrics & Interviews
- USCIS may schedule biometrics (fingerprinting)
- Interviews are not always required, but if scheduled, you must attend and bring relevant documents
🛫 Final Step: Green Card Application
If Applying Inside the U.S. (Adjustment of Status):
- File Form I-485
- Required documents:
- Birth certificate
- Medical exam (Form I-693)
- I-94 travel history
- Affidavit of Support (Form I-864)
- Proof of financial resources
- Employment letters and academic records
If Applying Outside the U.S. (Consular Processing):
- File Form DS-260 via the National Visa Center (NVC)
- Required documents:
- Passport
- Birth certificate
- Police and court records
- Medical examination
Attend visa interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
💼 Document Checklist
For Advanced Degree Applicants:
- University transcripts and diplomas
- Employer letters proving 5+ years post-bachelor experience (if applicable)
- PERM certification (if applicable)
For Exceptional Ability Applicants (at least 3 required):
- Academic degrees/certifications
- Proof of 10+ years work experience
- Professional licenses/certifications
- Recognition of achievements (press, awards, etc.)
- Memberships in elite organizations
- High compensation proof (tax filings, employment contracts)
For National Interest Waiver:
- Evidence of national merit (published research, patents, impact reports)
- Proof of being well-positioned (endorsements, academic or professional background)
- Justification for waiver (why U.S. benefits from skipping PERM)
❓ EB-2 Visa FAQs
1. What is an EB-2 visa?
An employment-based green card for foreign professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability.
2. Who qualifies for EB-2?
Advanced degree holders, professionals with bachelor’s + 5 years experience, or individuals with exceptional ability.
3. Can I self-petition?
Yes, only through the National Interest Waiver (NIW) path.
4. Is the PERM process required?
Yes, unless applying under EB-2 NIW.
5. What is premium processing?
An optional USCIS service that speeds up I-140 to 15 days. Costs $2,805.
6. How long does the EB-2 take overall?
On average, 18 to 30 months, depending on country and backlog.
7. Can my spouse and children immigrate with me?
Yes. Spouses and unmarried children under 21 can obtain derivative green cards.
8. Can I apply for citizenship later?
Yes. After 5 years of permanent residency, you may apply for U.S. citizenship.
✅ EB-2 Visa vs EB-3 Visa
| Feature | EB-2 Visa | EB-3 Visa |
| Education | Advanced degree / exceptional ability | Bachelor’s or 2+ years skilled work |
| Processing Speed | Often faster (priority) | Slower due to longer backlogs |
| PERM Requirement | Yes (unless NIW) | Yes |
| Self-Petitioning | Only under NIW | Not permitted |
| Priority Workers | Second Preference | Third Preference |
✨ Why Choose TRW Law Firm?
- ✅ Expert in PERM processing & I-140 petitions
- ✅ Successful record of EB-2 and NIW applications
- ✅ Customized petition strategies
- ✅ Employer and employee representation
- ✅ Full consular support and green card transition planning
🌟 Ready to Begin Your EB-2 Visa Journey?
TRW Law Firm is ready to help you navigate every step of the EB-2 process — from labor certification and NIW petitions to green card interviews.
🔗 Book a Consultation: https://booking.tahmidurrahman.com
🌐 Website: www.tahmidurrahman.com
📧 Email: info@tahmidur.com | info@trwbd.com
📞 Phone: +8801708000660 | +8801847220062 | +8801708080817
TRW Law Firm – Helping Global Professionals Build Their Future in the United States.