What are E21 and E22 in EB-2 NIW?

In the EB-2 NIW, E21 and E22 are immigrant classification codes tied to the second employment-based preference category (EB-2). They identify who is the principal applicant and who enters the process as a family member.

In general terms, E21 designates the principal applicant in the EB-2 category: the professional whose petition is the foundation of the case, including when that person seeks a waiver of the job offer requirement through the National Interest Waiver. E22, in turn, typically designates the accompanying spouse, with a separate code assigned to children.

These codes appear on documents such as the immigrant visa and the green card, marking the distinction between the principal applicant and their dependents. Contrary to what is sometimes said, they are not informal nicknames: they are standardized classification symbols.

Because the exact category and code depend on the specifics of each petition, it is worth confirming the classification that applies to your case through USCIS guidance, the Department of State, or a qualified specialist.

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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.