My master’s degree was completed 15 years ago. Does it still count?

Yes. In the EB-2 NIW, a master’s degree completed 15 years ago still stands as a valid academic credential. The date of completion, on its own, does not disqualify your degree or automatically weaken your case.

This is because the analysis goes well beyond the diploma. What carries weight is the full picture of your profile: your professional trajectory, publications, contributions, and the impact your work has had over time. An older master’s degree embedded in a consistent career continues to work in your favor.

• An academic degree has no expiration date for qualification purposes.
• Experience accumulated after the degree typically strengthens your profile.
• The focus is on the coherence between your education, trajectory, and the merit of your work.

Since each profile is evaluated as a whole, it is worth organizing your evidence thoroughly and, if you are unsure how to position your background, reviewing the case with an immigration specialist.

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.