EB-2 and National Interest Waiver
Advanced-degree professionals and exceptional ability, including cases requesting a waiver of the job-offer requirement.
Last verified: 2026-09-07
General overview
EB-2 is for professionals holding an advanced degree, or its equivalent, and for individuals with exceptional ability. It normally requires a job offer and labour certification. A National Interest Waiver asks the government to waive the job-offer and labour-certification requirements where the proposed endeavour is judged to be in the national interest of the United States.
Main application stages
- 1Profile review and strategy with authorized U.S. counsel
- 2Labour certification, unless a waiver is pursued
- 3Immigrant petition prepared and filed by counsel
- 4Visa availability monitoring, then consular processing or adjustment
Who may consider this pathway
- Master's or doctoral graduates and equivalent professionals
- Specialists with a strong track record in a field of substantial merit
- Founders, researchers and clinicians pursuing an independent path
General eligibility considerations
- An advanced degree, or a bachelor's degree with progressive experience
- Evidence of exceptional ability where claimed
- For a waiver, an endeavour of substantial merit and national importance
- Evidence that the applicant is well positioned to advance it
Common documentation categories
- Degrees, transcripts and credential evaluations
- Detailed plan describing the proposed endeavour
- Evidence of impact: publications, adoption, funding, letters
- Employment records where an employer is involved
Important limitations
- A waiver request is discretionary and evidence-intensive
- Whether an endeavour is in the national interest is a legal judgment for counsel
- No approval, timeline or outcome can be promised
Frequently asked questions
Is a National Interest Waiver faster?
It removes certain steps but is not a guarantee of speed or approval. Official processing information is published by USCIS.
Can Kohanbaba write my petition letter?
No. We can organize your evidence; the petition and legal argument are the responsibility of an authorized U.S. attorney.
Official sources
Last verified: 2026-09-07
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