EB-2A or EB-2B: which one fits?

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Publication date: 25.08.2025

Recently, our team was asked a question: “I'm living in San Jose and hold a master’s degree with 10 years of experience. Should I apply under EB-2A or EB-2B?”

We wanna share the answer from our specialists:

18.08.2025 21:28:26 The EB-2 visa category is for individuals who are members of the professions holding advanced degrees or their equivalent, or who have exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business. Within the EB-2 category, there are generally two subcategories: 1. **EB-2A**: This is for professionals holding an advanced degree (master’s degree or higher) or its equivalent (a bachelor's degree plus five years of progressive work experience in the field). 2. **EB-2B**: This is for individuals with exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business. Given that you have a master’s degree and 10 years of experience, you could potentially qualify under either subcategory depending on your specific circumstances and career achievements. Here are some considerations to help decide which might be more appropriate: - **EB-2A**: If your qualifications primarily stem from your advanced degree and professional experience aligns closely with that education, this path may be suitable. It typically requires a job offer and labor certification unless you qualify for a National Interest Waiver. - **EB-2B**: If you can demonstrate a level of expertise significantly above what is ordinarily encountered in your field (e.g., through awards, publications, memberships in professional associations), this may be an option. This path also usually requires a job offer and labor certification but might allow more flexibility if you're seeking to apply for a National Interest Waiver. Ultimately, whether you should apply under EB-2A or EB-2B will depend on the specifics of your qualifications and career accomplishments. Consulting with an immigration attorney can provide personalized guidance based on your situation and help ensure that you choose the most appropriate category for your application.

BASE (basic) 86.62

GPT Chat

Artificial intelligence

USA / Washington

18.08.2025 21:43:22 EB-2A is for advanced degree professionals with a job offer and labor certification (PERM). Since you have a master’s and long experience, you qualify if an employer sponsors you. EB-2B is for people with exceptional ability, and often paired with a National Interest Waiver (NIW) so you can self-petition without an employer. The choice depends on whether you have a sponsoring employer or prefer to apply independently.

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Moroz Eugene Olegovich

Consultant

USA / California

18.08.2025 21:45:08 With a master’s degree and 10 years of experience, you generally qualify for EB-2A (Advanced Degree Professional). EB-2B is for people with exceptional ability in their field, which requires proving expertise well above the norm through evidence like major awards, published work, or recognition. If you just want to apply based on your degree and work experience, EB-2A is the straightforward category. If you have strong evidence of exceptional achievements, you could also try EB-2B.

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Prokopenko Polina Evgenivna

Consultant

USA / Oklahoma City

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