The EB-2 Visa is one of the most direct routes to permanent residency in the United States and, although many immigrants are not aware of it, it has become a key alternative for highly qualified professionals. Unlike other categories, this visa offers the possibility of obtaining a Green Card without the need to have a specific job offer, provided certain criteria are met.
Since the beginning of President Donald Trump’s second term in office, applications for this immigration category continue to increase, reflecting the demand for skilled professionals seeking to establish themselves legally and stably in the country.
Who can apply for the EB-2 Visa?
The EB-2 Visa is intended for foreigners with advanced academic preparation or outstanding professional experience.
According to immigration experts, such as attorney Carlos Colombo, there are two main ways to be eligible:
Academic level or proven work experience: the applicant must have a master’s degree or doctorate recognized in the United States.
Anyone with a university degree and at least five years of experience in their field may also apply.
National Interest Proposal: the applicant may submit a project or proposal that represents a relevant benefit to the United States, which allows the applicant to apply for a waiver of the requirement to have a prior job offer.
This last point, known as the National Interest Waiver, is one of the most attractive aspects of the EB-2 Visa, as it opens the possibility of applying independently, without depending on an employer.
Is it mandatory to speak English to obtain the EB-2 Visa?
Unlike other immigration systems, such as Canada or Australia, the United States does not require a specific level of English for residency applications through the EB-2 Visa.
The specialists clarify that, although speaking English is an obvious advantage for working and personal life in the country, it is not a mandatory requirement to apply.
This means that an applicant who meets the academic and professional experience criteria can move forward with the process without the need to demonstrate specific language skills.
Where is the application processed?
The place where the process is completed depends directly on the applicant’s immigration status:
If you are already in the United States on a valid legal visa, such as a work or study visa, you can apply from within the country.
If you do not have valid status or are outside the United States, you must wait in your home country for your application to be processed and approved and then enter with your approved residency.
In both cases, the process requires detailed documentation, academic certificates, proof of work experience and, in cases of national interest waivers, a solid proposal justifying the contribution to the country.
Does the EB-2 Visa include the applicant’s family?
One of the greatest advantages of the EB-2 Visa is that it not only benefits the principal applicant, but also includes his or her immediate family.
The spouse and children under 21 years of age may obtain permanent residence along with the applicant, provided that formal requirements are met, such as the presentation of civil marriage certificates and birth certificates of the children.
This benefit has made the EB-2 Visa one of the most sought-after alternatives for families wishing to legally settle in the United States together.
How long does approval take?
The waiting time for the EB-2 Visa varies depending on the workload of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), but on average it can take about two years.
Some processes are resolved in less time if premium processing is requested, although this has an additional cost.
Despite the deadlines, immigration attorneys point out that demand continues to increase, as many consider it to be one of the safest and most direct routes to permanent residency.
The EB-2 Visa in the Donald Trump Administration
During his previous administration and now in his second term, Donald Trump has maintained a strong discourse on limiting irregular immigration.
However, he has reiterated that skilled immigrants must have legal avenues to contribute to the country’s economy and development.
The EB-2 Visa fits this vision, as it prioritizes the arrival of professionals with high academic standing or proven experience.
Experts stress that this type of policy not only benefits applicants, but also strategic sectors of the U.S. economy, such as health, scientific research and technology.
In this context, both under Trump and Joe Biden, the EB-2 Visa has maintained its relevance and continues to establish itself as one of the most viable alternatives to the Green Card.
This article was originally published in Nueva News.
