Is an ongoing PhD without a completed master’s degree accepted as an advanced degree?

Not automatically. Under EB-2 NIW, the term advanced degree generally refers to a master’s degree or a qualification formally recognized as its equivalent, and the determination is assessed rigorously on a case-by-case basis.

A doctorate that is only in progress, without a completed master’s degree, typically does not substitute on its own for the advanced degree requirement. Being enrolled in or attending a program is not the same as holding a formally conferred title in the eyes of the adjudicating authority.

The evaluation tends to focus on the formal equivalency of what you have already completed, not merely your ongoing studies. For that reason, how you present your diplomas, transcripts, and professional experience can make a meaningful difference in how your case is framed.

It is worth noting that EB-2 can also be accessed through an alternative pathway based on exceptional ability, which carries its own set of criteria. Because the definitions are case-specific and subject to change, confirm the current requirements with USCIS or a qualified specialist before building your petition.

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Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

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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.