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Does a BSc (Bachelor of Science) of 4 years + 6 years of work make me ‘advanced degree’?

A bachelor's degree with progressive experience may be equivalent to an 'advanced degree' in the EB-2 NIW, but what matters is the growth in your responsibilities. Check the exact requirement with the USCIS.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on July 21, 2026
1 min read
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In the EB-2 NIW, the advanced degree category can be met in two ways: with a master’s degree (or higher), or with a bachelor’s degree combined with a period of progressive experience in your field of study. The idea is that qualified experience complements the undergraduate degree up to the level equivalent to an advanced degree.

The key word here is progressive: simply adding up years of work is not enough. The experience must show increasing responsibilities and challenges after graduation, directly tied to your field of study. That is what supports the equivalency, more than the mere time elapsed.

To document this point effectively, the following typically help:

  • Employer statements describing your roles and professional growth.
  • Certificates and records of experience in the field.
  • Letters evidencing the progression of your responsibilities.

The exact duration required and how your case is framed follow official criteria evaluated on an individual basis. So rather than assuming, it is worth verifying the current requirement with the USCIS and reviewing your profile with a specialist.

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

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.

Victoria's tips

Does a BSc (Bachelor of Science) of 4 years + 6 years of work make me ‘advanced degree’?

A bachelor's degree with progressive experience may be equivalent to an 'advanced degree' in the EB-2 NIW, but what matters is the growth in your responsibilities. Check the exact requirement with the USCIS.

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