Orlando EB-2 Visa Lawyer

Interested in an EB-2 Visa?

Navigating the U.S. immigration system can be complex, especially for professionals seeking to work and live permanently in the United States. At Maney | Gordon | Zeller, P.A., our experienced Orlando EB-2 visa lawyers help foreign nationals secure EB-2 visas and take the next step in their careers and lives. Whether you're a professional with an advanced degree or a person with exceptional ability, we can guide you through every step of the process—from eligibility assessments to petition filing and consular processing.

Call (407) 630-8455 today to schedule a consultation or fill out our online contact form to get started.

What is an EB-2 Visa?

The EB-2 visa is an employment-based immigrant visa available to foreign nationals who are either:

• Professionals with advanced degrees (or the equivalent); or
• Individuals with exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business.

This visa is part of the U.S. green card system and grants lawful permanent residence to qualified applicants. EB-2 visa holders may live and work in the U.S. permanently and may eventually apply for U.S. citizenship.

There are three subcategories under the EB-2 visa:

• EB-2A: Advanced degree professionals.
• EB-2B: Individuals with exceptional ability.
• EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver): Applicants who qualify under EB-2A or EB-2B and can demonstrate that waiving the job offer requirement is in the national interest.

The EB-2 category is often preferred over EB-3 due to shorter processing times and the elevated qualifications of applicants.

Eligibility for EB-2 Visa

To qualify for an EB-2 visa, you must meet the requirements of one of the following categories:

Advanced Degree

You must have an advanced degree (master's, Ph.D., or equivalent) or a bachelor’s degree plus at least five years of progressive post-baccalaureate work experience in the field. Evidence typically includes:

• Academic records and diplomas
• Letters verifying work experience
• Job offer for a position requiring an advanced degree

Exceptional Ability

This category requires proof of exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business, meaning a degree of expertise significantly above what is ordinarily encountered. Evidence can include:

• Official academic records
• Letters documenting at least 10 years of full-time experience
• Professional licenses or certifications
• Memberships in professional associations
• Recognitions or awards for excellence

National Interest Waiver (NIW)

Applicants may request that the job offer and labor certification requirement be waived if they can show:

• Their proposed work is in the U.S. national interest
• They possess exceptional ability or advanced degrees
• Their contributions significantly benefit the U.S.

The NIW is ideal for researchers, entrepreneurs, and other individuals with specialized knowledge or skills that serve U.S. interests.

How to Get an EB-2 Visa

Obtaining an EB-2 visa involves several steps. At Maney | Gordon | Zeller, P.A., our Orlando EB-2 visa attorneys ensure that every aspect of the process is handled correctly and efficiently.

Step 1: Employer Sponsorship or Self-Petition

In most EB-2 cases, a U.S. employer must sponsor the foreign national. However, in NIW cases, applicants can self-petition without a job offer or labor certification.

Step 2: Labor Certification (PERM)

Unless applying for a National Interest Waiver, the employer must obtain a PERM labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor. This certifies that:

• No qualified U.S. workers are available for the job.
• Hiring the foreign national won’t negatively affect the wages or conditions of U.S. workers.

Step 3: Filing Form I-140

Once labor certification is approved (or waived under NIW), the employer—or the individual, in the case of NIW—files Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker with USCIS.

Step 4: Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing

After I-140 approval and visa number availability:

• If the applicant is in the U.S., they may file Form I-485 to adjust status.
• If outside the U.S., they go through consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

EB-2 Visa FAQs

How long does it take to get an EB-2 visa?

Processing times vary. On average, the PERM labor certification can take 6–8 months, the I-140 petition another 6–9 months, and adjustment of status or consular processing several more months. Premium processing is available for I-140 petitions.

Can I include my family on an EB-2 visa?

Yes. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can apply for immigrant visas or green cards as your dependents. Spouses may be eligible to work in the U.S. once they receive work authorization.

Is a job offer always required for an EB-2 visa?

Generally, yes. However, if you qualify for a National Interest Waiver, you can apply without a job offer or labor certification.

Can I apply for a green card through EB-2 while on a temporary visa?

Yes. Many applicants start the EB-2 process while on H-1B, F-1 OPT, or other temporary visas. Adjusting your status in the U.S. is often a smooth process if all requirements are met.

What is the difference between EB-2 and EB-3 visas?

The EB-2 visa is for individuals with higher qualifications (advanced degrees or exceptional ability), while EB-3 is for professionals, skilled workers, and other workers with less stringent criteria. EB-2 usually has faster processing times due to less demand.

Why Choose Our Orlando EB-2 Visa Attorneys?

Immigration laws and procedures can be overwhelming. Working with an experienced Orlando EB-2 visa lawyer from Maney | Gordon | Zeller, P.A. gives you the best chance of success. Our services include:

• Determining your eligibility and best EB-2 subcategory
• Preparing labor certification and employer documentation
• Drafting and filing Forms I-140 and I-485
• Preparing NIW documentation and evidence of national interest
• Providing legal representation in case of USCIS requests or delays

We’re committed to helping professionals, researchers, and innovators make their move to the United States as seamless as possible.

Reach out to us at (407) 630-8455 for a consultation and take a decisive step toward achieving your American Dream, backed by a team committed to your success and growth.