EB-2 visa processing time

In this article, we will talk about how you can check the EB-2 Visa processing time in great detail, what is the charges of an EB-2 visa, and the procedure of an EB2 visa with  EB2 green card processing time.

What is an EB-2 visa?

The EB2 visa is a green card option for individuals with exceptional ability or advanced degrees. EB2 is divided into three categories. The EB2-A category is reserved for those with advanced degrees. Those with outstanding ability are classified as EB2-B. The EB2-C category is reserved for individuals whose permanent residence is in the national interest of the United States. The EB2 is a second-tier work visa. The EB-2 visa processing time is very long.

EB-2 Visa Charges

• Form I-140 (officially known as the “Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers”) costs INR 55,755.35 to file.
• It should be noted that this fee is to be paid by the employer sponsoring the prospective employee.
• Following I-140 approval, the applicant will continue to pay the standard green card fees.
• The PERM certification is free.
• If the employee is already in the United States, they (or their employer) must file. Form I-485 (“Application for Adjustment of Status”) and pay the INR 97,571.86 government filing fee, unless waived.
• If the applicant is abroad and undergoing consular processing, they will be required to pay an INR  27,479.42 filing fee.

EB-2 Visa Processing Time

The EB2 visa application process consists of three steps: the PERM labour certification, the immigrant petition, and the immigrant visa application or adjustment of status. As previously stated, the standard EB-2 visa processing time is approximately 18 months, but it can take much longer in some cases.

• PERM labour certification

PERM labour certification (4 Months for Prep Work and 6 Months for Application Processing: About 10 Months Total Processing Time)

This PERM process necessitates requesting a prevailing wage determination as well as going through the recruiting process. A prevailing wage determination usually takes 2-4 months. The recruiting process takes at least 60 days.

It is important to remember that the PERM labour certification application must be submitted within 180 days of any recruiting effort. The Department of Labor typically takes 6 months to adjudicate the application, but this can be extended if you are subjected to an audit. Thus, the total processing time for the PERM labour certification is ten months.

• Petition for immigrants (6 to 9 Month Standard Processing Time.)

The process of petitioning for immigrants comes under EB-2 visa processing time.  This is accomplished by submitting Form I-140 to USCIS. This step is usually completed by the U.S. employer, but some people who qualify for the EB2 national interest waiver can self-petition. The standard processing time for the I-140 immigrant petition is usually 6-9 months after it is filed.

• Date of priority (0 to 10 Years)

You will be assigned a priority date when you submit your EB2 visa immigrant petition (Form I-140). Your priority date will let you know when you can submit an application for an immigrant visa or an adjustment of status (next step) To view the USCIS Visa Bulletin website and find out more about wait times, click here.

• Application for a visa or change of status (About 9 months)

Once your priority date has passed, the foreign beneficiary may either submit an application for an immigrant visa at their regional US embassy abroad or, if they are already legally present in the US, they may be qualified to submit an application for an adjustment of status there. This must be completed within one year of your priority date. In addition, before your interview, you should undergo a medical examination and gather all necessary documentation. If your application is approved by a US consular officer or immigration officer, you will be granted EB-2 visa status and will be able to enter the US with a green card.

The average processing time for an immigrant visa or adjustment of status is approximately 9 months. These all processes make the EB-2 visa processing time this long.

EB-2 visa processing time

Schengen Tourist Visa

Schengen visa processing time in India

EB2 visa procedure

There are several steps involved in the EB2 visa application process. The following is a general list of the EB2 visa application process:-

• PERM Labour Certification 

If you are applying for an EB2A or EB2B visa, your organization is required to complete a PERM labour certification. The PERM labour certification is intended to protect US workers and the US job market. Before submitting any other documents, you must have a PERM labour certification that has been approved. This is accomplished by submitting to the Department of Labor Form ETA 9089.

Several steps must be completed before you can submit your PERM labour certification. To begin, the beneficiary must have a valid job offer from the company. Second, the company must obtain a determination of the prevailing wage. This specifies the bare minimum that the company is required to pay the beneficiary. Third, the company must demonstrate that no qualified American workers are available for the position.

• Form I-140 must be completed and submitted

After receiving notification that your PERM labour certification has been approved, the petitioner must file Form I-140. This must be submitted to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The employer’s location will determine the appropriate USCIS service center. You must submit all filing fees and other relevant documents with Form I-140. The EB-2 visa processing time could be longer so fill out the form on time.

• Interview for the Final Green Card

If USCIS approves your Form I-140, you will receive Form I-797. This means you are eligible to apply for an EB2 visa at a US consulate. You’ll be assigned an EB2 priority date. The exact date will be determined by how many other people apply for an EB2 visa. When your appointment date arrives, you will schedule and attend an interview at a US consulate, or if you are lawfully present in the US, you will apply for an adjustment of status. You will be interviewed by a US consular officer. To confirm your eligibility, they will ask you questions about your plans in the United States. If you are granted an EB2 visa, you will be able to enter the United States as a permanent resident.