In a major update for skilled professionals, researchers, and advanced degree holders aiming to move to the United States in 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has clarified the document checklist for the EB-2 Visa category, which covers professionals with advanced degrees and individuals of exceptional ability. This new clarity comes as a part of streamlined efforts to improve transparency and visa approval turnaround time for foreign talent.
Whether you’re applying with a U.S. employer or self-petitioning under the National Interest Waiver (NIW) category, having your documents in perfect order is the most crucial step to success.
Here’s a freshly updated and structured checklist every EB-2 visa applicant needs to know in 2025:
✅ U.S. EB-2 Visa Application Document Checklist 2025
| 📄 Document | 📘 Description & Guidance |
|---|---|
| 1. Valid Passport | Must be valid at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in the U.S. Include all relevant pages and prior visas. |
| 2. Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition) | Filed by the sponsoring employer or the applicant (if applying via NIW). Include USCIS receipt and approval notice. |
| 3. PERM Labor Certification (if required) | Needed only for employer-sponsored applicants. NIW applicants are exempt. Must be DOL-certified. |
| 4. ETA Form 9089 | The Department of Labor form demonstrating a bona fide job offer and compliance with wage regulations. |
| 5. Degree Certificates & Transcripts | Advanced degree (U.S. or foreign equivalent). Bachelor’s + 5 years progressive experience is also accepted. All documents must be translated if not in English. |
| 6. Employment Letters | Letters from past and present employers confirming job title, dates, duties, and progression. Should be printed on official letterhead. |
| 7. Updated Resume/CV | Ensure your CV aligns with your I-140 petition and accurately represents your qualifications and achievements. |
| 8. NIW Personal Statement (if self-petitioning) | Justify how your work serves U.S. national interest and why labor certification should be waived. Include supporting impact metrics. |
| 9. Recommendation Letters (for NIW or exceptional ability) | Obtain 3–5 letters from recognized experts highlighting your impact, skills, and why your work matters. Independent referees preferred. |
| 10. Proof of Exceptional Ability | If applying under “exceptional ability,” submit documentation that meets at least 3 USCIS criteria like published work, awards, salaries, and memberships. |
| 11. Employer Support Letter (for employer-sponsored) | Letter explaining the job offer, job description, and the employer’s intent to hire permanently. |
| 12. ID Documents (U.S. applicants only) | Driver’s license or state ID if you’re already in the U.S. applying for status adjustment. |
| 13. Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) | For those already in the U.S. on another visa and adjusting status. Must include fee, biometric info, and supporting documents. |
| 14. Form I-693 Medical Exam | Required for Form I-485 applicants. Must be conducted by a USCIS-authorized physician and submitted in a sealed envelope. |
| 15. Financial Proof or Affidavit of Support | Show ability to support yourself or provide proof of employer support (tax documents, pay slips, Form I-864 if applicable). |
| 16. Filing Fee Receipts | Keep a copy of fee payment receipts for I-140, I-485, and other associated forms or services. |
| 17. Proof of Legal U.S. Status (if adjusting status) | Copies of I-94, visa stamps, previous approval notices, and SEVIS forms if applicable. |
| 18. Civil Documents | Birth certificate, marriage/divorce certificate(s), name change proof – all in English or translated and certified. |
| 19. Passport-Size Photos | Two U.S. passport-compliant photos (2×2 inches) for each applicant. Required for adjustment of status or visa stamping. |
| 20. Police Clearance Certificate (if applying via consular processing) | Required by U.S. consulates to prove good conduct. Must cover all countries lived in for more than 6 months since age 16. |
🔍 Who Should Use This Checklist?
This checklist applies to both:
-
Self-petitioning National Interest Waiver (NIW) applicants, including researchers, scientists, tech experts, engineers, and public health professionals.
💡 The Tips for US-EB-2 Visa Applicants in 2025:
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All foreign-language documents must be translated into English with certification.
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NIW applicants do NOT require a job offer or labor certification, but must prove their work substantially benefits the U.S.
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If you are outside the U.S., you’ll go through consular processing with the DS-260 form; if inside, you may adjust status using Form I-485.
📍 Final Thought:
The EB-2 visa remains one of the fastest and most prestigious pathways to U.S. permanent residency for professionals, especially with the added flexibility of the NIW category. In 2025, being well-prepared with the right documents can mean the difference between smooth approval and months of delays.
Are you ready to take your career global? Bookmark this page, gather your documents, and let the journey to the United States begin!
