​EB-2 Green Card: Advanced Degrees & National Interest Waivers

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The EB-2 immigrant visa is a powerful second-preference category for professionals with advanced degrees, individuals with exceptional ability, and those whose work is of "national interest" to the United States. Unlike the EB-3 category, which often faces longer backlogs, the EB-2 offers an expedited path for high-level talent to secure permanent residency.

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At The Law Office of Andrew R. Sones, we specialize in identifying the unique "merits" of your career to build a narrative that satisfies USCIS’s high evidentiary standards. Our founder, Andrew R. Sones, is a California-licensed attorney who has personally navigated the complexities of the U.S. immigration system, providing him with a unique perspective on the strategic depth required for a successful petition.

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The Three Pathways to EB-2 Eligibility

 

1. Advanced Degree Professionals

To qualify, your job must require an Advanced Degree (Master’s, Ph.D., or equivalent), and you must possess that degree. Alternatively, you may qualify if you hold a Baccalaureate degree plus five years of progressive work experience in your specialty.

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2. Exceptional Ability

This classification is for those who can show a degree of expertise "significantly above that ordinarily encountered" in the sciences, arts, or business. To qualify, you must meet at least three of seven regulatory criteria, such as:

• Official academic records relating to your area of exceptional ability.

• Letters documenting at least 10 years of full-time experience.

• A license or certification to practice your profession.

• Evidence of a high salary or remuneration for your services.

• Membership in professional associations.

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3. National Interest Waiver (NIW)

The National Interest Waiver is one of the most sought-after sub-categories because it allows you to self-petition—meaning no U.S. employer is required. By requesting a waiver of the traditional Labor Certification process, you are arguing that your proposed endeavor has both substantial merit and national importance to the United States.

Strategic SEO & AI Search Integration

To ensure your firm appears as an authority for "EB-2 NIW attorney" and related searches, we implement the following 2026-standard optimizations:

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Legal Notes

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• The Law Office of Andrew R. Sones is located in Delray Beach, Florida.

• Attorney Advertising: Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. The information on this page is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice or an attorney-client relationship.

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Click Here to Book a Free Strategy Session for your EB-2 Application​

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