If you're a professional with a strong academic background and want to obtain the coveted Green Card to live and work in the United States, you've come to the right place. In this article, we'll guide you through the three essential steps to obtaining a Green Card under the EB-2 category, specifically designed for professionals with postgraduate degrees. Keep reading for details and requirements!
Step 1: Qualify for the EB-2 Visa
The EB-2 visa, reserved for professionals with postgraduate degrees, is the gateway to a Green Card. To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:
Postgraduate degree: You must hold at least a master's degree or a doctorate in your field of study.
Work experience: If you do not have a postgraduate degree, you may be eligible if you have extensive experience in your field, generally at least five years.
Job offer: You must have a confirmed job offer in the United States that requires a postgraduate degree or its equivalent.
Step 2: Required Documentation
To support your application, you will need to gather the following documents:
Proof of your postgraduate degree, such as a master's or doctoral degree.
Proof of your university degree and that you have worked in your profession for at least five years.
Proof of a job offer in the U.S. that meets the aforementioned requirements.
Step 3: Green Card Application Process
Once you meet the requirements and have gathered the necessary documentation, you can move forward with the Green Card application process, which consists of three stages:
PERM/Labor Certification: Your employer must demonstrate that your hiring will not harm American workers. This is done by showing that they were unable to find a suitable local candidate for the position. This process can take time.
Immigrant Petition I-140: Your employer will complete Form I-140, which verifies their ability to pay your wages and that you meet all the requirements for the job.
Application for Registration of Permanent Residence or Adjustment of Status I-485: Once you have completed the two previous steps, you can apply for permanent residence in the U.S. by filling out form I-485.
Processing Times
The process of obtaining a Green Card generally takes about six months. However, if PERM Labor Certification is required, it could take longer, up to two years in some cases. There is an option to expedite the process with priority processing, which costs 1,400 PST and reduces the processing time to as little as 15 days.
Please note that processing times may vary depending on your eligibility and the country from which you submit your application.