The federal government uses the EB-2 work visa program to meet the rising demand for skilled workers. Under this program, businesses can hire qualified professionals from other countries to meet their labor needs. What’s more, these visas can provide a pathway to citizenship for recruited global workers to come to the United States.
If you are seeking an EB-2 visa, you deserve legal counsel to help you become a lawful permanent U.S. resident. Our work visa lawyers can help you with every step of the process. You can reach out to a Melbourne EB-2 work visa lawyer today to get started.
An EB-2 Visa Allows You to Immigrate to the Melbourne, FL, Area
Not all work-based visas are immigration visas. In many cases, securing a visa to work in the United States is a temporary opportunity that comes with an expiration date. Once those temporary work visas expire, it is time to return to your home country.
EB-2 visas differ, as they are immigration visas. An immigration visa allows you to live and work in the United States and provides you with lawful permanent resident status. With an EB-2, you could remain in the country perpetually. Additionally, an EB-2 visa offers you a path to citizenship.
After you live in the country for long enough and meet other requirements, you could apply to become a U.S. citizen. For many people, citizenship is the goal of an EB-2 visa.
To consult with an experienced eb-2 work visa lawyer serving Melbourne
(855) 780-9986
An EB-2 Work Visa Requires a Sponsor
Most people cannot simply apply for an EB-2 work visa and move to the United States hoping to find employment. As with many work visas, you generally need a sponsor to qualify for an EB-2. In addition, your sponsor must not only offer you the job, but the position must require your advanced degree.
An exception could allow you to qualify for an EB-2 visa without needing a sponsor or a standing offer of employment. According to federal law, you can seek an EB-2 on your own through a National Interest Waiver. To qualify for this waiver, you must show the following:
- You have an advanced degree or exceptional ability.
- Waiving the sponsor requirement would benefit the national interest.
- Your proposal is of “substantial merit and national importance.”
- You are positioned well to execute your proposal.
These waivers are rarely granted, but a Melbourne EB-2 work visa attorney from Bogin, Munns & Munns could put you on the path to securing one.
Who Qualifies for an EB-2 Visa?
There are tight limits on eligibility for EB-2 visas. The task of evaluating each application falls to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). According to federal law, only certain foreign residents have the qualifications needed to secure an EB-2 visa. There are two ways to qualify for an EB-2 visa: having an advanced degree or exceptional ability.
Advanced Degrees Can Qualify
Holding an advanced degree is one way to qualify for an EB-2 visa. While this typically involves more than a bachelor’s degree, some exceptions exist. For example, you can qualify for an EB-2 with a bachelor’s degree if you show five years of relevant experience after obtaining your degree.
Not only are you required to hold an advanced degree from a U.S. university or a foreign equivalent, but the job you are filling must require it. In other words, you cannot obtain an EB-2 visa for a job that lacks an advanced degree requirement, even if you hold one.
To secure an EB-2 visa, you must document that you hold the degree. This usually involves presenting academic records showing your advanced degree. If you apply for an EB-2 with a bachelor’s degree and five years’ worth of relevant experience, you must also provide letters from current or past employers vouching for your work history.
Exceptional Ability Can Qualify
Not every EB-2 visa is based on holding an advanced degree. In some fields, it is possible to obtain an EB-2 by establishing exceptional ability, regardless of your educational background. This type of visa is available for someone with exceptional abilities in the sciences, business, or the arts. USCIS defines this as “a degree of expertise significantly above that ordinarily encountered in the arts, science, or business.”
To meet this standard, you must be able to meet at least three of the seven criteria provided by USCIS. These criteria include holding a relevant professional license, membership in professional associations, or recognition for your achievements in your field by your peers.
Melbourne EB-2 Work Visa Lawyer Near Me
(855) 780-9986
How Our Melbourne Immigration Attorneys Could Help You With an EB-2 Visa
There is no guarantee that your application for an EB-2 visa will be granted. However, support from our immigration attorneys could give you the best chance at a positive outcome. We take pride in serving as advocates for foreign workers with exceptional ability, and we look forward to helping you move your career forward in the United States. Some of the ways we could assist with your case include the following:
- Explaining the visa application process
- Advising on your eligibility for National Interest Waivers
- Assisting with preparing your application
- Filing required forms and documents with the government
- Preparing you for USCIS interviews you may have
- Addressing unreasonable delays to ensure you meet all key deadlines
- Protecting your rights and interests throughout the immigration process
- Answering your questions or concerns
Talk to Our Melbourne EB-2 Work Visa Attorney About Your Situation Today
If you plan on applying for an EB-2 visa, you deserve legal counsel that can help you every step of the way. This process is important, especially if you intend to permanently work and live in the United States.
Do not put your future at risk by handling this process on your own. One mistake could upend your application and impact your career. Let the team at Bogin, Munns & Munns help. Call as soon as possible for a free consultation with a Melbourne EB-2 work visa lawyer.
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