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Programme guides · US EB-2 Advanced Degree / Exceptional Ability

US EB-2 2026: PERM Labour Certification and Advanced Degree Path

Written by Global Immigrate consultants · Reviewed by Oscar Yip, Founder & Managing Director

Summary

EB-2 is for advanced-degree or exceptional-ability professionals. The standard path needs an employer and PERM; NIW may waive labour certification.

Short answer: US EB-2 is for advanced-degree (or bachelor's plus five years progressive experience) or exceptional-ability professionals. The standard path needs a US employer and PERM; NIW may waive labour certification when national interest is shown.

Information current as of October 2026.

PERM versus NIW

Item Standard EB-2 (PERM) EB-2 NIW
Employer Required Self-petition possible
Labour cert Required May be waived
Core Job and recruitment test National interest proof

See US EB-2 NIW.

Global Immigrate note

Confirm employer willingness to start PERM before planning timelines. Applications are handled by Global Immigrate's in-house team.

Use programme matching or contact advisors.

This article is general information, not legal or tax advice.

FAQ

Is an employer required?

For standard EB-2 yes; NIW allows self-petition.

How long does PERM take?

It varies with recruitment and processing load.

Can family join?

Spouse and unmarried minor children may accompany.

PERM or NIW?

Employer cases fit PERM; national-interest cases may fit NIW.

Sources

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