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Are professional master´s degree cases accepted in EB-2?

For the EB-2 visa, professional master´s degrees may be accepted as long as they prove rigorous academic equivalence and comply with USCIS guidelines, with individual analysis.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on March 4, 2026
2 min read
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The EB-2 visa, including the National Interest Waiver (NIW) subcategory, requires that the applicant hold an advanced degree, such as a master´s degree, or demonstrate exceptional qualifications. Generally, the purpose of this visa is to attract professionals who can make significant contributions to the interests of the United States.

Regarding the professional master´s degree, it is important to understand that, for the purposes of the EB-2, the focus is on proving that the obtained degree is equivalent to a recognized academic master´s degree – that is, a program that demands advanced training based on research or in-depth study in the area, according to the criteria established by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

If the professional master´s degree meets the academic parameters and complexity of an advanced degree equivalent to an American master´s degree, it can be accepted. However, each case is analyzed individually, taking into account the documentation that proves the equivalence and rigor of the program.

It is advisable to compare the professional master´s curriculum with a traditional academic master´s degree, evaluating whether the content, credit hours, prerequisites, and methodology are compatible with the standards required to demonstrate advanced qualifications. In many cases, it may be necessary to conduct a credential evaluation by a specialized company to confirm this equivalence. This procedure is important to strengthen the argument before the USCIS.

It is worth remembering that it is essential always to follow the United States immigration laws and seek guidance from specialized professionals – always with caution to avoid being misled by unfounded promises or exaggerated marketing campaigns. Avoiding scams and advertisements that guarantee results is crucial, as the immigration process has many nuances and analyses are carried out individually.

Thus, if you hold a professional master´s degree and want to know if it can be accepted in the EB-2 NIW category, it is recommended to gather all documentation that demonstrates the depth and complexity of your degree and, if necessary, consult a reliable company or expert in credential evaluation. This way, you will ensure that all particularities of your case are considered in accordance with United States immigration guidelines.

Learn more about EB-2 NIW

Category
EB-2 NIW Green Card
Self-petition
Allowed (no sponsor needed)
PERM
Waived
Processing
12-36 months
All about EB-2 NIW
Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.

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Are professional master´s degree cases accepted in EB-2?

For the EB-2 visa, professional master´s degrees may be accepted as long as they prove rigorous academic equivalence and comply with USCIS guidelines, with individual analysis.

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