What is E21 and E22?

It is important to clarify that, in the realm of immigration to the United States, especially when discussing the EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) visa, various terms and codes may appear and sometimes cause confusion.

In some communities and even in some guidance materials, the designations “E21” and “E22” can be found. However, it is worth noting that these are not official terms defined by any U.S. law or government agency – they may vary depending on the source or even be used by some professionals to differentiate certain situations or categories within immigration processes.

In some references, “E21” is commonly used informally to indicate the principal applicant who meets the requirements for the EB-2 NIW. This designation may be employed to distinguish the main petitioner, the one who demonstrates exceptional ability in their field and who, therefore, requests the waiver of the job offer requirement.

On the other hand, “E22” can, in some contexts, be associated with the dependents of the principal applicant – usually the spouse and minor children – who may be part of the immigration process to adjust status or request the issuance of the respective visa based on the approval of the principal applicant.

It is always essential to remember that immigration to the United States involves a complex set of rules and procedures. Therefore, following the current laws and obtaining information from reliable sources is fundamental. Guidance from professionals or specialized companies helps to avoid falling into scams or marketing campaigns that often promise guaranteed results – something impossible to assure since each case is unique and the American authorities are strict in analyzing each request.

Remember that this explanation is for informational purposes only and does not replace a personalized consultation with a specialist who can analyze all the details of your case. Staying well informed and seeking guidance from trustworthy sources is always the best way to face the challenges of the immigration process safely and adequately.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.