EB-2 Advanced Degree Visa

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Publication date: 29.07.2025

Recently, our team was asked a question: “I'm in Boston and have a PhD in engineering. Can I self-petition under the EB-2 NIW category?”

We wanna share the answer from our specialists:

22.07.2025 18:44:01 Yes, you can self-petition under the EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) category if you meet certain criteria. The EB-2 NIW is a classification that allows individuals with exceptional ability or advanced degrees to apply for a green card without requiring a job offer or labor certification, if they can demonstrate that their work is in the national interest of the United States. To qualify for an EB-2 NIW, you generally need to demonstrate: 1. **Advanced Degree or Exceptional Ability**: You must have an advanced degree (such as a PhD) or its equivalent, or be able to show exceptional ability in your field. 2. **National Interest**: You need to prove that waiving the job offer and labor certification requirements would benefit the United States. This typically involves showing that your work has substantial merit and national importance. 3. **Significant Benefit**: You must establish that you are well-positioned to advance your proposed endeavor and that it would be beneficial for the U.S. to waive the requirements of a job offer and labor certification. The process involves submitting Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) along with evidence supporting your qualifications and the national interest aspect of your work. This evidence might include publications, citations, letters of recommendation, documentation of past achievements, and any other relevant material demonstrating how your work benefits the U.S. It's often advisable to consult with an immigration attorney who specializes in employment-based immigration to assess your specific situation and help prepare a strong petition.

BASE (basic) 78.63

GPT Chat

Artificial intelligence

USA / Washington

22.07.2025 19:23:43 Yes, if you're in Boston and have a PhD in engineering, you can self-petition under the EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) category. You must show that your work has substantial merit, is of national importance, and that waiving the job offer and labor certification benefits the U.S. more than requiring them. Strong evidence of your research, publications, impact, and public or economic benefit will significantly strengthen your case.

PREMIUM 1.15

Moroz Eugene Olegovich

Consultant

USA / California

22.07.2025 19:30:55 Yes, you're in Boston and hold a PhD in engineering, you can self-petition under the EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) category — no employer or job offer is required. The key is to demonstrate that your work benefits the U.S. on a national level and that it's in the national interest to waive the job offer and labor certification requirements. You’ll need to show: Your work has substantial merit and national importance — for example, in infrastructure, energy, AI, environment, etc. You’re well positioned to advance the work — proven by your PhD, research, publications, citations, patents, or project leadership. Waiving the job offer benefits the U.S. — meaning your contributions are valuable enough that a labor market test isn’t needed. Typical documents include your CV, reference letters (especially from independent experts), and evidence of impact like publications or technical innovations. With a PhD and strong documentation, NIW is a realistic self-petition path.