San Antonio EB-2 Visa Lawyers
If you are a foreign national with an advanced degree or have exceptional ability in certain professions, you may be eligible to apply for and receive a United States EB-2 visa. The EB-2 visa not only allows you to live and work in the United States legally. It can also open the door for possibly obtaining a Green Card–i.e., becoming a permanent resident–and even applying for citizenship down the line.
A qualified San Antonio EB-2 visa lawyer can guide you through the necessary steps to apply for this classification status. At BBA Immigration, we handle EB-2 visas and a wide range of immigration matters on behalf of our clients. We can review your situation and advise you on the best course of action for entering and working in the United States legally.
Visa Status for Foreign Nationals with an Advanced Degree or Exceptional Ability
The EB-2 visa is known as the “employment-based, second preference” classification. Normally you will need to have a specific job offer from a United States-based employer to apply for this type of visa. You also need to demonstrate either of the following:
- your job in the United States requires a specific advanced degree, such as a doctorate or its foreign equivalent, that you currently possess; or
- you have exceptional ability in the arts, business, or sciences.
The “exceptional ability” standard is often tricky to understand. Basically it means you possess a degree of expertise that is significantly above the average person in your chosen field within the sciences, arts, or business. The way you can prove such ability is to meet three or more of the following criteria:
- You have an official academic record showing you have a degree or other certification from an institution of higher learning relating to your area of exceptional ability.
- You have a letter from a current or former employer documenting the fact you have at least 10 years of full-time experience in your chosen occupation.
- You can show that you have commanded a salary or other compensation from your services demonstrating exceptional ability.
- You are a member of a professional association.
- You have been recognized for your achievements or contributions to your industry by your peers, your government, or a professional or business organization.
- You present other similar evidence of your exceptional ability.
In some cases it is possible to receive an EB-2 visa even if you do not strictly meet either the advanced degree or exceptional ability tests. You may be eligible for a “national interest waiver,” if your proposed endeavor is of national importance and substantial merit to the United States. If granted, this waiver means an EB-2 applicant does not have to demonstrate that they already have a job offer.
Contact BBA Immigration Today
For many people, an EB-2 visa is the fastest path to entering the United States legally to work. It can also represent the first step in seeking permanent residency and potentially citizenship. Given these stakes it is important to work with a skilled San Antonio EB-2 visa lawyer who can maximize your chances at completing the application process successfully. So if you need legal advice or representation in connection with any visa-related matter, contact BBA Immigration today to schedule a consultation.
