The EB-2 immigrant visa is one of the best options for foreign applicants of exceptional ability in a field of expertise or members of professions holding an advanced degree (or its equivalent). Depending on the case, it is possible to apply for an EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) to waive the job offer and labor certification requirements.Ā
How much does an EB-2 visa cost? Read on for a full overview.Ā Ā
How Much Does an EB-2 Visa Cost? ā In Detail
Supporting Documentation
A factor often ignored as part of the expenses to obtain an EB-2 visa is the amount required to collect the documentation submitted as evidence to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).Ā Ā
This element is subjective and broadly varies depending on the applicant’s case. For applicants filing with USCIS based on an advanced degree, supporting documentation includes:
- An official academic record showing the applicant has a US advanced degree or a foreign equivalent degree, or
- An official academic record showing the applicant has a US baccalaureate degree or its foreign equivalent, and
- Letters from current or former employers demonstrating the applicant meet the five-year post-baccalaureate experience requirement
Applicants filing with USCIS based on exceptional ability must submit documents that demonstrate they have a “degree of expertise significantly above that ordinarily encountered in the sciences, arts, or business,” such as:Ā
- An official academic record showing the applicant has a degree, diploma, certificate, or similar award from a college, university, school, or other entity of learning related to his or her area of exceptional ability
- Evidence that the applicant has commanded an above average compensation for services that demonstrate exceptional ability
- Membership in one or multiple professional associations
- Evidence of recognition of the applicant’s achievements and significant contributions by his or her peers, governments entities, professional, or business organizations
Application Costs
Once the supporting documentation is properly gathered and organized, an EB-2 applicant depends on a US employer to go through the labor certification process (PERM) with the US Department of Labor (DOL).Ā Ā
Then, the US employer can file Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) on the applicant’s behalf. The filing fee for I-140 is $700 and a fee waiver is not available for this specific form.
After receiving USCIS approval, the applicant must file Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status). The fee varies depending on the applicant’s age, which often falls within the range of $750 to $1,140.Ā Ā
Certain cases require applicants to pay an $85 fee for biometric services. If a travel document is needed, the applicant must file Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document), which requires a $575 fee in most cases.
Applicants outside the United States may also pay a $230 filing fee for a DS-260 Immigrant Visa Electronic Application and a $88 fee for an Affidavit of Support. Generally, the total expenses involved in a standard EB-2 application range between $1,450 and $2,300.
Many EB-2 applicants choose not to work with an expert legal advisor with the excuse of “saving money on attorney’s fees.” However, a poorly delivered petition and other mistakes may result in a costly refusal.
Do You Want to Apply for an EB-2 Visa? ā Immediately Seek Expert Legal Guidance
Navigating the EB-2 application process can be challenging if you choose to do everything on your own. Contact Immigration Attorney Romy B. Jurado by calling (305) 921-0976 or emailing [email protected] to find a cost-effective solution for your case.
