Difference EB1 and EB2: 3 minutes read
Both EB1 and EB2 are employment-based Visas. With either visa, you are permitted to reside and work inside the United States (US) while utilizing your outstanding knowledge or extraordinary ability (that is the reason here at Loigica® we call them talent visas).
They differ in some aspects, such as an EB2 Visa requires tentatively fewer documents and certifications than an EB1. However, we will explore that topic more in detail throughout the article.
Information about EB1 and EB2 Visas
This article could give you an idea of which immigration path is best for you to follow. Loigica will assist you in identifying the best option that fits your profile, and the required criteria for eligibility. Throughout this article, we divided the visas as A, B, and C, so they will be easier to identify.
EB1 A stands for an extraordinary ability.
EB1 B stands for an outstanding researcher or professor.
EB1 C stands for a certain multinational manager or executive.
EB2 A stands for an advanced degree.
EB2 B stands for an exceptional ability.
EB2 C stands for the National Interest Waiver. (This is commonly called EB2NIW)
What is the required criteria in order to be eligible for an EB1 or EB2 Visa?
The Criteria for an EB1 Visa
(First Preference Visa)
EB1 A - Extraordinary Ability
To demonstrate extraordinary ability, you must show evidence of a major internationally-recognized award or at least three of 10 of the criteria listed below.
- Obtained recognized prizes or awards for excellence.
- Member of an association where you need outstanding achievements to
- Published relevant material about your field and experience in major media.
- You've been required to judge someone's work or on a delegation.
- You have evidence of your original contributions of major value in the field you specialized in. (scientific, scholarly, artistic, athletic, or business-related).
- Written articles or relevant documents for major media or professional major trade publications.
- Displayed your work at showcases or artistic exhibitions.
- Performed a leading or critical role in knowledgeable companies.
- Earned a high salary or received a high remuneration in comparison to others in the field.
- You are successful in performing arts and can provide evidence.
EB1 B - Outstanding Researcher or Professor
- Demonstrate international recognition for your exceptional achievements, particularly in the academic field.
- You must have three or more years of experience in teaching or research.
- You must enter the US to seek a tenure track (a pathway to promotion in the academic field) or a comparable research position at an institution of higher education.
You must provide evidence for at least two of the criteria listed below:
- Obtained recognized prizes or awards for excellence.
- Member of an association where you need outstanding achievements to be part of.
- Member of an association where you need outstanding achievements to be part of.
- Written relevant academic material about your field that have been publicized by media or important professional publications.
- Participated as a judge of the work of others, either on a panel or by yourself.
- You have original scientific academic books or articles in the field.
EB1 C - Multinational Manager or Executive
- You must have been working for at least one year outside the United States. (keep in mind the most recent lawful non-immigrant admission if you are already working for the US company).
- The US company petitioner must have been with the business for at least one year.
- The US company has a qualifying relationship and has set you up to work outside the United States, and shows it's keen to employ you in an administrative or executive capacity job.
- No labor certification is required.
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The Criteria for an EB2 Visa
(Second Preference Visa)
EB2 A - Advanced Degree
- Postulate to a job that requires an advanced degree. (Keep in mind that a bachelor's degree from a college with five years of work experience in the field could be equivalent).
- Meet other requirements that could be requested with the job offer.
EB2 B - Exceptional Ability
When applying for this visa, you need to show exceptional abilities in science, arts, or business (having a degree of expertise way above others).
You must meet the requirements specified on the labor certification, and the criteria listed below.
- Must show academic records of your studies where you demonstrate your area of exceptionality.
- Present letters documenting at least 10 years of experience in your occupation.
- Provide a license to practice your profession.
- Demonstrate you've earned a salary or a remuneration for the services, demonstrating your exceptionality.
- Membership in at least one professional association.
- Recognition for your achievements and important contributions to your industry.
- Present other comparable evidence.
EB2 C - National Interest Waiver ( NIW )
This visa is for a candidate who:
- Has substantial merits and are considered of national importance.
- Well-positioned to move forward and accomplish the task you are submitting to.
- Provides enough evidence so the United States would waive the requirements of a job offer, hence the labor certification.
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