What is considered an “advanced degree” for the EB-2 NIW?

In the EB-2 NIW, an “advanced degree” usually means an academic diploma earned after undergraduate studies, such as a postgraduate qualification. It is one of the ways to demonstrate the qualification required by the category.

In practice, the requirement can be met through more than one path, and it helps to understand the main ones:

• Postgraduate study: a master’s, doctorate or other postgraduate diploma earned after the bachelor’s degree.
• Academic equivalence: diplomas earned outside the United States usually go through an evaluation that compares them to American standards.
• Bachelor’s plus experience: the law allows, in certain cases, combining the degree with progressive, substantial professional experience in the field.

Since the details of proof and equivalence vary with each profile and can change, avoid treating any criterion as fixed. The safest path is to confirm the current requirements at the official source (USCIS) and, if possible, rely on specialized support to organize the documentation.

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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.