The U.S. Department of State has announced that all the EB-2 visas for 2024 have been used up. This means no more visas in this category will be given until October 1, 2024, when the new fiscal year starts.
The EB-2 visa is for foreign workers with special skills or advanced education, like scientists, engineers, and doctors. Every year, there’s a limit on how many EB-2 visas can be issued, as set by U.S. law. Specifically, 28.6% of all employment-based visas go to the EB-2 category. Since the limit for 2024 has been reached, no more visas will be granted this year.
What is an EB-2 Visa?
The EB-2 visa lets foreign professionals with advanced degrees or special skills work and live in the U.S. To qualify, you need to have either a master’s degree or show that you have exceptional talent in your field, like science, business, or the arts. You also need a job offer from a U.S. company that proves no American workers can fill the job. People apply for the EB-2 visa because it’s processed faster than other types, but there’s a yearly limit.
To get this visa, you need:
- A very high degree (like a master’s or a PhD) or
- A special talent that’s better than most people in your field.
- You also need to have a job offer from a U.S. company, and the company has to show that there aren’t any Americans who can do the job.
Why Are Visas Limited?
There’s a rule that only a certain number of EB-2 visas can be given out each year. In 2024, all those visas have already been used, so no one else can apply for this visa until the next year starts.
Helpful Tips:
- If someone wants to apply for an EB-2 visa, they need to plan ahead because there are only a few visas available each year.
- It’s important to have all the necessary documents ready before applying, like proof of your degree or talent.
- If you’re interested in working in the U.S., talk to an expert or lawyer who can guide you through the process.