EB-2 Exceptional Ability
 

Hi,

Has anyone entered the US on an EB-2 visa under the 'exceptional ability' category?

And what was your 'exceptional ability' and circumstances surrounding your visa?

Thanks

Re: EB-2 Exceptional Ability
 

Re: EB-2 Exceptional Ability
 

Thank you

Re: EB-2 Exceptional Ability
 

Yes. Received Green Cards for me, my wife and son late April 2016.
I petitioned on basis of my business work pioneering collaborative/partnerships with various governments and US and US Industry. Began with UK! while with UK mentored/helped Australia, Canada, then most recent working here for a multi-national airlift partnership based in Hungary. In my EB-2 petition I demonstrated the benefits to US National Interests: security, economy and jobs.

Took a long time building the partnerships, almost as long to get the Permanent Resident status!

Re: EB-2 Exceptional Ability
 

Currently in the process of applying based on my OH's 'exceptional abilities in software engineering/Internet security'. Ongoing for over a year: hard work and the lawyer's fees are not cheap (although I know a few academics who have filed without a lawyer and were successful - if you have many journal articles, citations and are working in research things are a little easier to prepare).

Hopefully ready to file by the end of this month and then the anxious wait begins.

Re: EB-2 Exceptional Ability
 

Darn, Zoe, you are hell bent on finding a loophole for entrance into the US. You know it is not a paradise here. The US workplace is one of the worse places to be employed. There is no job protection; vacations are usually one or two weeks a year; and minimal holidays. The culture is so different from the UK that you will be grieving because friendships will be hard to make. There is no pub culture. Food is overly sweet and bread sucks. Whatever makes you think your life will be better here then there? I just don't get you and this quest to come to the US. Stay where you are and make a life for yourself.

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Yeah but Florida is like paradise innit? It must be by the number of wannabes who want to move there.

Re: EB-2 Exceptional Ability
 

:lol:...this post made me smile. Love ya Rete, you are a :starsmile:

Re: EB-2 Exceptional Ability
 

I must admit I am struggling with the point of this particular thread. OP has indicated elsewhere that they are about to commence studying business and accounting. It is going to take something quite spectacular to be deemed exceptional in business and accounting!

Re: EB-2 Exceptional Ability
 

WOW, how rude. Why does it bother people so much all the questions I have on different entries into the US. I am very aware of the difference to the UK as I have many friends in the US and I have visited on numerous occasions, and I don't really think it's any bodies business as to why I would like to make the move.

Re: EB-2 Exceptional Ability
 

And another.....jeez! Why all the snarky comments. If your don't have an answer to a question move on....

Re: EB-2 Exceptional Ability
 

Hence the reason I'm asking so many questions.......

Re: EB-2 Exceptional Ability
 

I don't think it's rude, just trying to make you look at things from a different perspective - and interestingly, from an American's perspective.

From the outside looking in, it does seem as though you're making some odd choices. For instance, as the mother of an 11 year old with 2 weeks left at primary school who is heading to secondary in Sept, I can't imagine why on earth you would leave it this late to move unless you really had to - huge upheaval and the likelihood of a very reluctant child that won't want to leave their social groups and the education system they are comfortable with. But then as the mother of a 1 year old, you perhaps wouldn't be aware of just how disruptive moving her when older will be? So again, another perspective from one that is at the point you say you'd be moving - and who wouldn't consider it now for all the money in the world! If you're going to do it, the younger the better I would say.

BE is a forum, think of it as a pub where people just chat and 'shoot the breeze'. People are giving you opinions, just as they would if you suddenly announced your plans to move to the US in a pub, and it doesn't mean they are being rude. It's just chatting, and offering a different viewpoint for you to look at, that's all.

Best of luck whatever you decide.

Re: EB-2 Exceptional Ability
 

Which is great, research is good (I research everything to death, even what brand of pants to buy, so I get ya!). But as you've already been told, your chosen occupation isn't likely to lead to an easy visa, so I guess you need to decide if you are so determined to move to the US that you'll consider another degree/occupation, or if you'd rather stick with what you want to do and take your chances?

Re: EB-2 Exceptional Ability
 

Hi,

Thank you for your response. To be honest we (my family) have only just recently decided we would like to make the move so this is all very new so I have soooooo many questions. If we had the resources now to move trust me we would get the ball rolling immediately. The reason I would move when my daughter finished primary school is because she could finish primary, do all her exams etc. and then (hopefully) go straight into middle school so she is not being taken out mid way or joining half way through (if you know what I mean)

Re: EB-2 Exceptional Ability
 

Fair enough, totally understandable.

I do know what you mean, but tbh I don't think it makes a lot of sense! She absolutely would be 'taken out midway or joining half way through' - mid way and half way through her schooling anyway, and to a whole new educational system with nobody she knows. Far less disruptive to do it when she's more adaptable and less hormonal IMO.

Unless things change (which they could well do), the only exams she'll take in Year 6 would be SATS, which would be of no use to her in the US anyway (no use in the UK either, but best not to get me started on that one!), and she'll then be at the age when she'll have great friends and not want to leave them, and be settled in to groups/hobbies here too i.e. Guides/sports/whatever. As somebody that moved her daughter in Year 1, I would say that was easy, but I wouldn't do it now personally. Obviously each child is different, but there are children in her class that are kicking off because they're not going to the same secondary school as their mates - never mind a whole new country! :lol:

I know it will take you quite a long time to get to the point where you're even eligible for a visa, and possibly that won't happen before she's at secondary school anyway, but if you can move her earlier then I think that would be preferable personally.

Just to give you the point of view of a Mum of an 11 year old anyway! :)

Re: EB-2 Exceptional Ability
 

Exactly!! look yes I admit I'm asking loadssss of questions; which may seem stupid to some but to me I'm asking genuine questions I have that I want the answer to.

I realise my career may not be the easiest way in and that is why I am going back to Uni to get a degree as well as an accounting qualification (not just on the assumption it well help me get to the US also to further my career)

Re: EB-2 Exceptional Ability
 

Thank you so much - I totally understand and I agree with you but right now we just don't have the resources to make the move :(

Re: EB-2 Exceptional Ability
 

Rete is an American and has lived here all her life. She can see things from a different perspective than most of us.

It wasn't meant as a sarky comment...but a comment to an American who has quite a bit of experience about Florida. Every week we get numerous Brits asking about moving to Florida. Most have spent a couple of weeks at Disney and think they have fallen in love with Florida...so it's a bit of an inside joke around here. Of course you weren't to know that...;)

Re: EB-2 Exceptional Ability
 

That's all fine - but what one person dislikes another may like....

I've been to Orlando, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Clearwater, Tampa, Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Key West, and so many more little towns I can't even remember.....but how were you to know my experience - you just assumed I was another 'Brit wannabe'

Re: EB-2 Exceptional Ability
 

Those FL comments aren't meant to be taken all that seriously.

Rene

Re: EB-2 Exceptional Ability
 

Yeah, some people just hate having too much holiday time. :rolleyes:

To bring the thread back to the headline topic, "exceptional ability" means just what it says, that you have qualifications and experience that are so extraordinary that an employer can't find someone in the US to do the job.

Granted, it doesn't need to expertise in unicorn grooming or hen's dentistry, but it needs to be something pretty damned remarkable, and certainly not a mere degree and professional certification. If this doesn't apply to you now, nor is it likely to, then you're barking up the wrong tree.

Re: EB-2 Exceptional Ability
 

Yeah that is pretty rubbish and I was well aware of that before I decided on wanting to make the move.


Who says that after getting my qualifications and working for say 10 years I don't develop something 'remarkable' my life is what I make of it

Re: EB-2 Exceptional Ability
 

Statistically speaking, it is improbable. It just is, and trying to guess what niche skill or experience might be so sought after ten years from now that they might support an EB-2 is likely to be an exercise in futility and frustration.

We used to have someone who I think got an EB-2 as a landscape architect, which is easy to confuse with mere mowing and grounds maintenance, but I would strongly recommend against training and working as a landscape architect just because you think it will get you an EB-2 visa.

We all only live once, so honestly, do what you're good at and what you enjoy, and if it leads to a visa then great, but even if it doesn't you'll still be happier than the (if you believe the surveys), 90% of people who don't enjoy their job. Seeking a career just because you think you can get a visa is likely to end in disappointment, seriously, it really is.

Re: EB-2 Exceptional Ability
 

That's what I am saying, I want to go back to Uni and get my degree and get my accounting qualification anyway - its not just because I think it will help, who knows where I will be in 10 years time.......

Re: EB-2 Exceptional Ability
 

You may very well have an extremely successful career as an accountant. I consider that I have been very successful as one for example, but there is simply no way I could claim to be exceptional. And I don't think I could call any of the very many wonderful and highly talented accountants that I have encountered, exceptional either, not in this sense anyway.

It kind of isn't really something that one can be exceptional in although obviously one can excel in it. But you just don't really get internationally renowned accountants for example.

Re: EB-2 Exceptional Ability
 

I am not just looking to be an accountant - I want to do more than that, that's why I am doing a business degree also.

My step-father is very good with IT and software packages, he's mentioned that in his and my mothers company the accounting software is useless - who knows me and him could develop something together.....:fingerscrossed:

Re: EB-2 Exceptional Ability
 

The US is awash with people with business degrees and even MBAs are two-a-penny. I have had people with MBAs apply for jobs I have posted looking for little more than basic clerical experience. I can't imagine a business degree ever meeting the standard for exceptional ability.

BTW British accounting qualifications are worthless in the US, so you would have to learn US GAAP and US tax laws, and then take the US exams. ..... And that wouldn't make you exceptional either, you'd just be another US Certified Public Accountant.

Re: EB-2 Exceptional Ability
 

At least not for the right reasons. .... Fred Goodwin is an accountant! :lol:

Re: EB-2 Exceptional Ability
 

Hi Zoe,

I certainly understand your frustration with trying to get answers, you can spend hours and days and weeks going round in circles on the internet and trawling forums to not get very far (speaking from experience) but perhaps re-assessing what your ultimate goal is may be helpful here? Ie. Is it that your one goal is to move to the US or is it that you want to forward your career in your chosen field and hope that it gets you there? In my opinion, those are very different routes. If you hellbent on getting a visa, I would look at a long term plan for an occupation a) that you enjoy and b) thats something in demand in the US or 'exceptional' as mentioned in your OP.

My background is within business and i have a Bachelors degree along with 8 years experience in running my own business but the reality is, theres thousands if not millions of US employees with a similar background, so from a US employers point of view, it would be more of a hassle to sponsor someone from the UK when they can find a decent employee on their doorstep. Therefore, i'd have no chance in getting one bar investing or getting a transfer.

On a side note, my partner had a petition filed for an O-1 (for exceptional ability) for him back in 2014 as an international tennis player with a great world ranking and numerous internationally renowned awards, only to be deemed not extraordinary enough (pff)! We're now in the process for applying for an E2 visa for an investment visa into a business but it just helps to put into perspective just how tight the process is to move to the US (not to mention costly).

I hope this helps in some way!

Re: EB-2 Exceptional Ability
 

Accountants know about business. Any successful accountant is commercially inclined, this is nothing special, it is expected.

You are not going to invent accounting software with functionality that nobody else has thought of, there are huge organisations dedicated to doing nothing but develop accounting software how are you ever going to compete. Perhaps your step father just doesn't understand accounting or made a poor choice. Either way, there really are plenty of very good accounting systems out there and there is no gap in the market, in fact it is a crowded market. I can assure you of this.

Re: EB-2 Exceptional Ability
 

Hi all,

I'm appearing on Britain's Got Talent, so when I win showing off my yak milking talents (which is a surefire winner - I can do it blindfolded), which visa should I get?

Re: EB-2 Exceptional Ability
 

I didn't say anything about disliking anything or anyplace or anyone. I'm pointing out that America is not paradise. You, if you are lucky enough to make it here, will find that it is actually less than what you have right this minute in the UK. But you don't want to see that and are beating yourself numb with trying on different visas for a good fit.

I cannot understand the desperation you are displaying to come to a country that you have only visited. You have not worked here; lived here; gotten sick here; gone to school here; purchased a home here, etc.

It is wonderful to have a goal in life. But it appears, at least to me, that you are obsessed with your goal.

You don't want to see what I have to say and so I will stop banging my drum in an empty room.

BTW as for Florida, I leave for that state tomorrow morning to visit my sister. I have spent many weeks in Florida in various cities that my daughter and my sister have lived in. And yes, I have even been to Disneyworld. And you are a "Brit wanna be".

Re: EB-2 Exceptional Ability
 

The criteria for EB-2/NIW is high. I suspect most that would qualify under EB-2/NIW could also make the case under EB-1 extraordinary ability.

There is a well known case precedent(?) -see link below- that spelt out the conditions to meet "National Interest". In particular, note "The proposed impact must be national in scope".

https://www.uscis.gov/eir/visa-guide...nterest-waiver

Re: EB-2 Exceptional Ability
 

:goodpost:

Everyone seems to have glossed over this rather impressive initial post by this individual.

So you're saying you managed to get an NIW? First person I can ever recall who has managed to pull it off, most people go for EB-1A instead.

Re: EB-2 Exceptional Ability
 

There have been quite a few on the forum that I can think of - phoenix25, sherbert and dbj1000 spring to mind, but I'm sure there have been others over the years too. Although irrc, sherbert is still going through the process so hasn't quite 'pulled it off' just yet!

Re: EB-2 Exceptional Ability
 

Haven't got it yet: it is in process (almost ready to submit) but to be honest I'm quite sceptical as to whether we will be successful (may have just thrown thousands of $$$ down the drain if the 'attention to detail' from my lawyer so far is anything to go by...). I know several academics who have successfully petitioned with 'no win, no fee' lawyers so I assume their case gets taken on because there's an overwhelming chance they will be successful.

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Ooh now I'm interested :D

I wouldn't expect you to divulge much information but as a tennis fan I'm curious, what ranking did your partner get to?

Re: EB-2 Exceptional Ability
 

Hmm. I know people who've gotten EB-1A let alone O-1 based on their sporting achievements. One was a LPGA highly ranked player and the other was a water skier. Also a former T&F athlete, he was highly ranked at one point but hadn't been for years but still somehow got it.

The trick to it seems to be to send in a glossy magazine cover with said person on the front, imx.

I'm totally astonished at some of the people I know who've gotten O-1. Like literally I can't believe it. Although they were O-1B. One was an actress I can guarantee you've never heard of and her IMDB entry has hardly anything in it and they're all minor parts. Another was in an Australian reality TV show. How the hell does that make you "extraordinary"?

Re: EB-2 Exceptional Ability
 

I got a second audition for an Australian baking competition (Great Australian Bakeoff). Doesn't that make me extraordinary?