Talents, extraordinary abilities and outstanding professional experience, represent the gateway for those who seek to establish themselves legally in the United States. It is estimated that each year, the US government disposes of around 140,000 EB-1 and EB-2 visas. These allow applications for people with university degrees, or even the equivalent of one, through their professional experience. It is a very attractive way to emigrate legally and safely.
There are no favored professions between one and the other to be called “of national interest”. Obtaining the visas will depend on the successful and proven development in various areas, by the applicant. This means that the country pays special attention to those who have the ability to demonstrate their experience, talents, and abilities that make them extraordinary, without exclusions.
The national interest visas were created by the Immigration Law in 1990, with a clear objective: to attract the most talented people, the brightest minds and the best-trained profiles, regardless of their country of origin, so that they can settle in the US and benefit the country in exchange for a Green Card. As if that were not enough, the alternative not only offers legal status within the country, but also opens the door to permanent residence.
The common mistake in the majority of immigrants who are rejected before this type of applications is associated with ignorance and the lack of professional advice. Talents and skills are not enough if you lack planning. Recently, we saw the case of an athlete with 12 years of verifiable experience, which was enough to obtain his visa. Today he resides in Miami and is about to sign with a national team.
By the end of 2022, the US was home to around 47 million foreigners, according to the Center for Immigration Studies. For Americans, this represents a positive outlook. According to polls by the Gallup Institute, 58% of those surveyed affirm that “it is a good thing, as long as they emigrate legally.”
* Yesenia Iacona is a lawyer. On Instagram: @yeseniaiacona.