The EB-2 NIW visa is a great option for highly qualified professionals who wish to immigrate to the United States and continue developing their careers. This visa category aims to attract individuals with exceptional skills who can contribute significantly to the advancement of the country’s economy, culture or well-being.
For this reason, the EB-2 visa offers a unique opportunity for those seeking a more fulfilling life and opportunities for professional growth in one of the world’s most innovative countries. In this article, you’ll find detailed information on the most sought-after professions for this visa and the requirements needed to apply. Check it out!
What is the EB-2 NIW visa?
The EB-2 NIW visa, which stands for Employment-Based Immigration: Second Preference – National Interest Waiver, is a special category of immigrant visa in the United States intended for highly qualified professionals who have exceptional skills in their field.
Unlike other work visas, the EB-2 NIW waives the need for a sponsoring employer in the United States, allowing professionals to apply independently.
To be eligible, the candidate must demonstrate that they have an advanced degree (master’s, doctorate or equivalent), a bachelor’s degree with more than 5 years’ experience or skills equivalent to an advanced degree, as well as proving that their work will significantly benefit the United States.
This can be demonstrated through publications in scientific journals, awards received, patents, or any other evidence that proves the excellence of the professional and their potential to contribute to the advancement of a specific field of knowledge.
EB-2 Visa and Green Card
The EB-2 NIW visa grants permanent residence in the United States. By obtaining the visa, you and your nuclear family (spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21) can move to the United States and live and work there legally and permanently.
What were the most approved EB-2 NIW visa professions in 2024?
Among the EB-2 NIW visas approved throughout 2024, some professions stand out. We’ll tell you a bit more about them below. Check them out!
Doctors
Projections indicate a significant shortage of primary care physicians, surgeons and specialists in the coming years in the US. This gap, coupled with an aging population and changes in health policies, creates a favorable scenario for qualified foreign doctors.
The US job market values the experience and skills of international health professionals. The expertise of foreign doctors plays a key role in the needs of the American healthcare system, especially in under-served areas or emerging medical specialties.
The combination of the high demand for health professionals and the advantages offered by the EB-2 NIW visa makes medicine one of the most promising fields for those looking to immigrate to the United States. The possibility of contributing to the health of millions of people, combined with the opportunity to build a solid career in a country with a state-of-the-art healthcare system, are irresistible attractions for many foreign doctors.
Dentist
It is estimated that the American market will need around 13,000 new dentists over the next few years, creating an interesting scenario for foreign professionals wishing to live in the country.
The EB-2 NIW visa provides an avenue for highly qualified dentists to contribute to the US healthcare system.
Brazilian dentists, internationally recognized for their rigorous training and expertise, find EB-2 NIW an opportunity to expand their careers and meet the needs of the American population.
Information Technology (IT) professionals
The information technology industry in the United States is one of the engines of the global economy, standing out for its constant advances in areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and software development.
This dynamic has generated a significant demand for highly qualified professionals. California, for example, concentrates a significant number of developers, reflecting the region’s importance as one of the world’s main technology centers.
The US job market offers competitive salaries and attractive benefits for IT professionals. The average annual salary for software developers in the United States exceeds 132,000 dollars, a figure that tends to increase as the complexity of technologies and the need for innovative solutions grow.
For foreign IT professionals, the EB-2 NIW visa represents an excellent opportunity to build a solid career in the United States. The demand for talent in areas such as cybersecurity, application development and data science is especially high, offering a range of possibilities for those seeking challenges and professional growth.
Engineers
The United States’ ambitious plan to invest 1.2 trillion dollars in infrastructure by 2026 is linked to an increase in demand for engineers of various specialties. This initiative, which aims to modernize the country’s transport, energy and communications network, opens up a range of opportunities for qualified professionals, especially those with expertise in areas such as civil, electrical and mechanical engineering.
Mental health professionals
The mental health of the American population faces a critical challenge: the shortage of qualified professionals. With more than 8,000 vacancies, the demand for psychologists and therapists in the United States is urgent.
The importance of psychological care for individual and social well-being is undeniable, and professionals in this field have a unique opportunity to contribute to American public health. The EB-2 NIW visa, in particular, facilitates the immigration of psychologists and therapists who can demonstrate their ability to positively impact the lives of thousands of people.
How to assess your eligibility for EB-2 NIW?
To assess your eligibility for the EB-2 NIW visa, you must demonstrate that you have exceptional skills in your field, hold an advanced degree (master’s or doctorate) or a bachelor’s degree with more than 5 years of experience You must also prove that your work has substantial merit and national importance, i.e. that your research, invention or other original contribution will significantly benefit the United States.
It is important to bear in mind that the evaluation process is complex and requires the presentation of solid evidence, such as letters of recommendation from experts in your field, publications in scientific journals, awards and patents.
It is therefore advisable to seek advice from a company specializing in immigration, which will be able to better assess your CV and its suitability for the requirements of the American government.
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If you fit into one of the professions listed in this article or believe that you are eligible to apply for the EB-2 NIW visa, do your research on the subject, gather documents and seek advice from professionals specializing in immigration.
As you’ve seen, professionals in the health sector, such as medicine, dentistry and mental health, have a great chance of getting a work visa in the United States. In addition, engineering and information technology sectors are especially attractive to the US market. Do you dream of living and working in the United States? This could be the right time to take the next step in your career!
Did you like learning more about EB-2 visas and professions? Take the opportunity to find out more about the requirements for the EB-2 NIW visa.