What is the EB-2 Visa?
The EB2 New Immigration program is an excellent avenue of opportunity for international aircraft pilots desiring to relocate to the United States under the National Interest Waiver (NIW) program. The United States grants unconditional Green Cards—permanent residency status—to successful applicants and eligible family members within 12 to 16 months.
Like pilots, an EB-2 NIW visa is given to a foreign professional who has extraordinary ability in the aviation industry or at a minimum that has a good academic background. In this program, legal permanent resident status in the United States is bestowed since the country is in need of the finest talents from all over the world.
Which Visas Are Available to Pilots?
Although airline pilots can acquire other visas, such as the H1B, this is not the best or the most common option. The NIW category has guidelines for petitioners with impressive academic and career backgrounds. Therefore, the EB-2 national interest waiver route is ideal for pilots who present a clear interest of the United States.
What is the EB-2 Immigration Eligibility Process?
Obtaining a job offer from an American employer is the initial stage when applying for an EB2 visa for pilots. The business organization must submit Form I-140 or Petition for Alien Worker to The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
This petition shall prove that the alien worker is in possession of the educational background and experience for the offered job that is at least equivalent to a US bachelor’s degree or its foreign equivalent.
After approval of the petition, the applicant may apply for the visa at a US embassy or consulate. The alien worker shall show proof of an offer extended by the employer, such alien worker’s proof of acceptance of the I-140 petition, and his qualifications.
What is the Application Process for EB-2?
If you plan to apply for EB2 Visa for pilots, follow the instructions below. The steps involved in the application process will help you achieve your target quickly. Therefore, follow the guidelines mentioned below for a hassle-free application process.
- Fill out the form and submit your interest.
- Verifying your profile to ensure you satisfy at least three of the requirements
- Submit the application forms and necessary paperwork.
- Acquire a National Interest Waiver.
- Visit a US consulate for visa application, which will help the candidate and their families receive their visas.
- Reach the country and receive Green Cards through the mail.
The applicants or the pilots applying may experience different processing times depending on their birthplace. Usually, the processing period ranges from 12 to 16 months, but it has only taken three months recently.
What Are the Requirements of an EB-2 Visa?
According to USCIS (The United States Citizenship and Immigration Service), the candidates should possess at least three qualities.
- A license or other valid credential and at least ten full years of expertise working as a pilot.
- Applicants must show they’re active employees of relevant professional pilots’ companies. Moreover, they must show that they received a salary suitable to their degree of experience.
- Candidates must also possess strong academic credentials, such as a diploma, degree, or certificate from an educational institute, school, university, or other comparable organization.
- The officials will consider superior services to aviation, as evidenced by peers, the government, or recognized professional organizations.
- You must include other relevant supporting details, such as training, management experience, or additional duties highlighting their position and expertise.
What are the Benefits of an EB-2 Visa?
The EB-2 visa has various benefits for pilots. First, the applicant can apply for the visa and have it instantly made available, allowing them to start working in the United States. The visa also provides a route to permanent citizenship.
Already after three years, a residency permit can be applied for by the candidate, which provides the holder with legal residence in the US.
The EB2 visa is one of the best options to move into the US for pilots; however, having a job offer makes one eligible. The hiring company has to file a Petition for Alien Worker.
The pilots who are eligible and properly documented can enter the country holding an EB-2 visa to reside and work.
What is the Processing Time for EB2 Visa?
Many factors affect the time duration your EB2 visa application may take. When applying for the visa application, your place of origin and particular case are a few of these variables. Usually, getting a PERM labor certification response takes 6–12 months from the filing date.
However, you may experience delays if your application undergoes an audit. Make sure to take measures to safeguard your PERM labor certification to be acceptable.
Typically, visa issuance takes six months, but in some cases, you can expedite the process by paying additional fees. This way, you will get a reply within 15 business days.
Once you hear back from the consulate, you need to set up an appointment with the gazetted USCIS officer but not any time before the priority date. You may be able to go to some places after receiving approval for your petition.
Expect longer wait times, especially if born in India or China. Although the time varies, it can take one to many years to apply for an EB2 visa.
How Much Does EB2 Visa for Pilots Cost?
The procedure of applying for an EB2 visa for pilots entails several expenses, and these costs may vary depending on your case. Remember that the applicant, not the beneficiary, is generally responsible for these costs.
- Fee for submitting an I-140: is $700
- The I-485 application fee (if necessary) ranges from $700 to $1140 based on age.
- If applicable, biometrics cost $85
- $230 for the DS-260 filing fee, if applicable
- Premium processing charge, if any: $1440
- Additional costs, such as those for translations, photocopies, and legal representation, depending on a case-by-case basis.
The Bottom Line
The EB2 category is very ideal for those applicants who possess an advanced degree or excellent skills and is a great alternative for those qualified people who are looking for an alternative to permanent resident status. This article outlined the benefits, requirements, and application process of the EB2 visa to avoid confusion and anxiety during the governing process.
If you are a professional pilot, there is no better way to find work in the USA than with an EB2 visa. However, the EB2 visa process can get very cumbersome, but with the excellent services that Synvest Capital offers, you do not have to worry.
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