EMPLOYMENT BASED GREEN CARD . EB-2, SECOND REFERENCES
Advanced Degree Professional Green Card
For professionals with an advanced degree or exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business — engineers, researchers, data scientists, healthcare professionals, and senior specialists sponsored by a U.S. employer.
OVERVIEW
WHO IT'S IDEALLY SUITED FOR
Are you eligible for EB-2?
Professionals well above the average worker in their field.
You may be eligible for an employment-based, second preference visa if you are a member of the professions holding an advanced degree or its equivalent, or a person who has exceptional ability.
The Grady Firm, based in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, represents U.S. employers nationwide sponsoring advanced-degree professionals for EB-2 green cards.
Professionals who either hold an advanced degree (master's or higher, or a bachelor's plus five years of progressive experience) or can demonstrate exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business. It works best for highly skilled professionals such as engineers, researchers, data scientists, healthcare professionals, economists, and senior specialists whose education and experience place them well above the average worker in their field.
WHO IT'S IDEALLY SUITED FOR
Documentation required.
01
Advanced degree
Official academic record showing a U.S. advanced degree or foreign equivalent, or
02
Bachelor's plus five years
Official academic record showing a U.S. bachelor's degree (or foreign equivalent) plus letters from current/former employers showing at least 5 years of progressive post-bachelor's work experience in the specialty
03
Doctorate roles
If the role customarily requires a doctorate, an official academic record showing a U.S. doctorate or foreign equivalent
TWO PATHS UNDER EB-2
Employer-sponsored vs. NIW.
Know which path applies to you.
PATH 1
Standard EB-2
PATH 2
EB-2 NIW
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Employer sponsors the applicant
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PERM labor certification required
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Employer pays filing fees
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No employer needed
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No PERM; the applicant self-petitions
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Applicant pays filing fees
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Must meet the national-interest standard
DIFFICULTY RATING
Why it's difficult to win without counsel.
9/10
Employer-sponsored EB-2 cases require strict compliance with the PERM process, including recruitment steps, wage determinations, and precise job descriptions, where even small errors can cause denial or long delays.
FAMILY ELIGIBILITY
Spouse and children.
If your I-140 petition is approved, your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 may be eligible to apply for admission to the United States in E-21 and E-22 immigrant status, respectively.
WHEN TO APPLY
Any time of the year.
There is no filing season. PERM recruitment steps add lead time before the petition is filed, so we recommend starting early.
WHO PAYS THE FILING FEES
Petitioner/Employer.
In standard EB-2, the sponsoring employer pays. In the NIW path, the applicant pays.
QUESTIONS WORTH ASKING
Before you file.
01
What's the difference between EB-2 and EB-2 NIW?
Standard EB-2 is sponsored by a U.S. employer and requires PERM labor certification. EB-2 NIW lets a qualifying applicant skip PERM and self-petition, but the applicant must meet the national-interest standard. Read about EB-2 NIW →
02
Do I need a job offer to qualify for EB-2?
For standard EB-2, yes. A U.S. employer must sponsor you and go through PERM. If you do not have an employer sponsor, the NIW path may apply.
03
What is PERM labor certification?
PERM is the employer-led process that precedes the I-140 petition in standard EB-2. It includes recruitment steps, wage determinations, and a precise job description, and small errors can cause denial or long delays.
04
Can I qualify with a bachelor's degree instead of a master's?
Yes. A U.S. bachelor's degree (or foreign equivalent) plus at least five years of progressive post-bachelor's experience in the specialty, documented by employer letters, can qualify as the equivalent of an advanced degree.
05
How long does the EB-2 process take?
[Processing time to be confirmed with Jen / USCIS before publishing.] PERM recruitment adds lead time before the I-140 can be filed.
WHY WORK WITH THE GRADY FIRM
Not just paperwork.
Strategy.
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PERM recruitment structured to withstand review
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Job descriptions written precisely against the role
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Degree and experience evidence documented from the start
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Employer or self-petition — we advise on which path fits
Sponsoring or seeking sponsorship? Start with a conversation.
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