EB-2 Employment-Based Green Card – Advanced Degree & Exceptional Ability

The EB-2 immigrant visa is one of the most common pathways for highly skilled professionals to obtain permanent residency in the United States. Designed for individuals with an advanced degree or exceptional ability in their field, the EB-2 category allows qualified applicants to live and work permanently in the U.S. while contributing their expertise to the economy, scientific innovation, healthcare, education, and other vital areas.

Who Qualifies for an EB-2 Green Card?

There are two primary ways to qualify under the EB-2 category:

1. EB-2 Advanced Degree:
   Applicants must hold a U.S. master’s degree or higher, or the foreign equivalent. A U.S. bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) plus at least five years of progressive, post-baccalaureate work experience may also meet the requirement.

2. EB-2 Exceptional Ability:
   Applicants who can show a degree of expertise significantly above what is ordinarily encountered in the sciences, arts, or business may qualify, even without an advanced degree. Evidence may include professional licenses, publications, membership in associations, recognition from peers, or a history of significant contributions in the field.

The EB-2 Green Card Process

The EB-2 typically requires both employer sponsorship and labor certification (PERM). The process involves:

1. PERM Labor Certification – The employer must test the U.S. labor market to show that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the offered position.

2. Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) – Filed by the employer to establish that the applicant qualifies under the EB-2 category.

3. Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) or Consular Processing – Once a visa number is available, the applicant can apply for lawful permanent residency (green card).

Benefits of the EB-2 Visa Category

• Direct path to permanent residency for professionals with advanced education or specialized expertise.

• Stronger preference category than EB-3, meaning generally shorter visa wait times for eligible applicants.

• Eligibility for family members (spouse and unmarried children under 21) to apply for green cards as derivatives.

• Career stability and mobility once permanent residency is granted.

Common Professions That Qualify for EB-2

The EB-2 category is especially relevant for professionals in:

• STEM fields (engineering, computer science, life sciences, physics, mathematics)

• Healthcare (physicians, medical researchers, specialized nurses, healthcare administrators)

• Business and finance (executives, analysts, consultants, entrepreneurs)

• Education and research (professors, researchers, academic professionals)

• Arts and social sciences (artists, economists, public policy experts)

How Whitaker & Warburton Can Help

Securing an EB-2 green card requires more than just meeting the degree or ability requirements—it demands precise documentation, strong legal arguments, and thorough preparation of evidence. At Whitaker & Warburton, we:

• Guide employers and applicants through the PERM labor certification process.

• Build comprehensive EB-2 petitions that highlight an applicant’s qualifications, expertise, and professional record.

• Ensure all filings are accurate, timely, and strategically presented to maximize approval potential.

• Provide tailored advice on the best path to permanent residency depending on your professional background and long-term goals.

Start Your EB-2 Green Card Journey

The EB-2 immigrant visa is a powerful option for professionals who want to advance their careers and secure a future in the United States. If you hold an advanced degree or possess exceptional ability in your field, you may qualify for this green card pathway. Contact Whitaker & Warburton today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward permanent residency.