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EB-2 Visa Attorney St. Johns County

Strategic EB-2 Guidance For Your Next Step

An EB2 immigrant visa can open the door to permanent residence in the United States, career stability, and a clearer future for your family. For professionals and employers connected to St. Johns County, the challenge is not just understanding EB-2 on paper; it is knowing how your background fits the legal criteria in practice.

At The Law Office of Joanne M. Fakhre, P.A., we focus our immigration practice on understanding each client’s specific goals and designing realistic strategies to pursue them. Led by our EB-2 lawyer, Joanne M. Fakhre, an immigrant herself, our office in Jacksonville works closely with professionals, families, and businesses throughout this area who are considering an EB-2 path.

If you are evaluating whether EB-2 is right for you or a key employee, we are here to provide clear, honest guidance, not promises. We listen carefully, assess your profile, and explain your options in straightforward terms so you can make informed decisions about your next move.

Why EB-2 Clients Work With Us

Choosing whom to trust with an EB-2 case is as important as deciding to pursue EB-2 in the first place. Many of our clients come to us after extensive research because they want a relationship with a firm that treats their case as more than a stack of forms. Our boutique approach means we accept only as many matters as we can handle with focused attention.

When you work with our office, you communicate directly with our EB-2 lawyer, Joanne M. Fakhre, for key questions and strategy decisions. There is no barrier of multiple intermediaries. This direct access allows us to understand nuances in your academic record, professional achievements, or business plans that can make a real difference in how an EB-2 petition is framed.

Ms. Fakhre’s own experience as an immigrant informs the way we practice. We understand that behind every EB-2 case is a story about family, career, and long-term plans. We take time to learn that story, then pair it with a detailed evaluation of immigration laws and current agency practices. Our goal is to provide realistic advice about whether EB-2 appears to be an appropriate option and, if so, how to present your qualifications effectively.

Our firm handles immigrant and non-immigrant matters for investors, businesses, families, and individuals worldwide. For EB-2 clients in St. Johns County and the broader Jacksonville area, that experience means we can relate to a wide range of professional backgrounds, from healthcare and engineering to education and technology. We monitor immigration law changes closely and discuss relevant developments with our clients, since EB-2 strategies can be affected by policy shifts or updated interpretations.

If you are looking for an EB-2 visa lawyerin  St. Johns County who offers attentive service and thoughtful analysis rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, our office is structured with that in mind. We strive to return calls and emails promptly, keep you updated on important case events, and explain what is happening at each stage.


Explore your EB-2 visa opportunities with experienced guidance. Call (904) 296-9232 or reach out online to speak with our EB-2 visa lawyers in St. Johns. County today.


Understanding The EB-2 Visa Path

EB-2 is part of the employment-based immigration system. It generally covers foreign nationals who either hold an advanced degree or have exceptional ability in their field. It can also include certain individuals who request a national interest waiver, which means they ask to proceed without a permanent job offer based on the importance of their proposed work to the United States.

For many professionals in or connected to St. Johns County, EB-2 can be attractive because it offers a route to permanent residence that aligns with their education and experience. However, the category is nuanced. It is not enough to hold a specific degree or have years of work history. USCIS looks at how your qualifications fit regulatory definitions and how the evidence supports those definitions.

Advanced degree cases typically involve a U.S. master’s degree or higher, or a foreign equivalent, and a qualifying job that requires that level of education. In some situations, a bachelor’s degree plus additional years of progressive experience can be treated as an advanced degree equivalent. Determining whether a position and background truly meet these standards requires careful review of job descriptions, academic records, and employment history.

Exceptional ability cases focus on individuals who have a degree of expertise significantly above what is ordinarily encountered in their field. Evidence can include things like awards, membership in professional associations, published work, or a salary that indicates a high level of achievement. It is important to understand that USCIS evaluates exceptional ability through both qualitative and documentary lenses.

National interest waiver cases add another layer. In these matters, the question is whether your proposed endeavor has substantial merit and national importance, whether you are well-positioned to advance that endeavor, and whether waiving the usual job offer and labor certification requirements would benefit the United States. This is a strategy-heavy analysis that turns on both your background and the way your plans are presented.

We view EB-2 as much more than a checklist category. At our firm, we take time during consultations to learn how your education, research, business projects, or professional roles fit into these frameworks. We then discuss whether EB-2 appears to be a path worth pursuing and, if so, which subcategory may be most appropriate.

How We Guide Your EB-2 Case

When you contact our office about an EB-2 matter, our priority is to understand your goals and current situation. We ask about your immigration history, current status if you are already in the United States, and long-term plans for work and family. We also review your academic credentials, professional experience, and any notable achievements or projects that may be relevant.

After this initial evaluation, we discuss the EB-2 category or categories that may fit your profile, such as advanced degree, exceptional ability, or national interest waiver. We explain the general steps for that type of case, including which forms are typically filed, the role of any sponsoring employer, and how supporting documentation is prepared. Our goal is to give you a clear picture of the process without suggesting that outcomes are certain.

Evidence gathering is a significant part of any EB-2 case. We work with you to identify documents that show your education, work history, accomplishments, and, when applicable, the impact of your work. This can involve degrees and transcripts, letters from employers, publications, conference presentations, or business records. We aim to organize this material in a way that helps immigration officers understand the depth of your qualifications.

Throughout the process, we keep you informed about important developments. If immigration policies or interpretations change in a way that could affect your case, we discuss what that may mean and whether we should adjust any aspect of your strategy. Because we maintain a selective caseload, we are able to devote close attention to these issues and to your questions as they arise.

Here are practical steps you can take before an EB-2 consultation:

  • Collect copies of your diplomas, transcripts, professional licenses, and detailed resumes.
  • Prepare a list of key achievements, such as publications, awards, or major projects.
  • Think about your long-term plans in the United States, both professionally and for your family.
  • Gather any prior immigration documents, including approval notices or visas, for review.

We are careful in deciding which EB-2 cases to accept. If, after our review, EB-2 does not appear to be a realistic option, we will explain our reasoning and, when possible, discuss whether another immigration path may be more appropriate. If we move forward, we do so with a shared understanding of the plan and open lines of communication.

EB-2 Considerations In St. Johns County

Many EB-2 candidates who contact our office live in St. Johns County and work in the broader Jacksonville area. The region includes growing activity in healthcare, technology, logistics, education, and professional services. These sectors often attract professionals whose backgrounds may align with EB-2, particularly when combined with advanced degrees or significant experience.

Because our office is based in Jacksonville, we are well-positioned to meet with clients who live, work, or commute in this area. Some clients prefer in-person meetings, while others work with us entirely remotely due to demanding schedules or travel. We are comfortable with both approaches and focus on making communication clear and efficient.

Although EB-2 petitions are filed with federal agencies rather than county-level institutions, local context can still matter. For example, your role at a healthcare facility in St. Johns County or a technology company near Jacksonville may help illustrate the importance of your work. We take time to understand how your position fits into the regional and national landscape when shaping your case theory.

Clients in this part of Florida may interact with federal immigration agencies through online systems, mail filings, and, at times, appointments at USCIS field offices that serve the Jacksonville area. We explain which interactions are likely for your case type and which are not, so you know what to expect. Our familiarity with the region’s employers and institutions helps us ask the right questions and prepare more focused supporting evidence.

If you are seeking an EB-2 visa lawyer in St. Johns County who understands both federal immigration law and the realities of living and working in this area, our firm strives to provide that balance. We aim to pair national-level legal analysis with a practical appreciation of your day-to-day environment.

Talk With Our Immigration Team

Pursuing an EB-2 case is a significant decision that affects your career, your family, and your long-term plans in the United States. You deserve guidance that is both honest and tailored to your situation. At The Law Office of Joanne M. Fakhre, P.A., we take the time to understand your background and goals, then offer straightforward feedback about whether EB-2 appears to be a path worth pursuing.

Our selective caseload, direct access to our EB-2 lawyer, Joanne M. Fakhre, and commitment to careful legal analysis are designed to serve professionals, families, and businesses who value thoughtful representation. Whether you live in St. Johns County, commute to Jacksonville for work, or are planning a move to this area, we welcome the opportunity to discuss your options.

During an initial consultation, we typically review your immigration history, discuss your professional or academic background, and outline potential strategies. We also explain our approach to communication and what you can expect if we agree to move forward together. Your information is handled with strict confidentiality from the first contact.

If you are ready to explore an EB-2 case with a focused immigration firm, we invite you to reach out and schedule a conversation. You do not need to have every document gathered before you call. Starting the discussion is often the most important step.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I qualify for EB-2?

The only way to assess EB-2 eligibility accurately is through a careful review of your education, experience, and proposed role or endeavor. During a consultation, we examine your background against EB-2 criteria and discuss whether it appears to be a realistic option or if another path may fit better.

Can you help with an EB-2 national interest waiver?

We work with clients who are considering a national interest waiver and evaluate whether their proposed endeavor and track record may support that route. We review your achievements and plans, then discuss how NIW standards apply and whether pursuing this strategy appears appropriate for your situation.

What happens in our first EB-2 consultation?

In an initial consultation, we talk about your immigration history, your academic and professional background, and your long-term goals. We outline possible EB-2 options, explain general process steps, and answer your questions. You leave with a clearer understanding of whether EB-2 seems viable and what pursuing it could involve.

Can you work with me if I live abroad?

Yes. Our firm works with clients who live outside the United States. We typically use phone or video meetings and secure document exchange. The legal standards are federal, so distance rarely prevents us from evaluating an EB-2 case or guiding you through the steps that apply to your situation.

How do you decide which EB-2 cases to accept?

We maintain a selective caseload, so we accept EB-2 matters only when we believe we can provide meaningful assistance and the category appears reasonably aligned with your background. After reviewing your information, we explain our assessment and, when appropriate, discuss other immigration options that might serve you better.


Take the next step through EB-2. Call } or reach out online to speak with our EB-2 visa attorneys in St. Johns County today.


Client Testimonials

The Opinions that Matter Most
  • “There are many others who will make errors in your cases, but she is really different. ”

    MH&NAJ
  • “She is honest, understanding and compassionate.”

    Lisa Y.
  • “I am very happy for this successful outcome and I will highly recommend your immigration services to any friend or family member that needs it.”

    Praseena
  • “The best one”

    Anonymous
  • “She is the best”

    L.L.
  • “I won't forget what she did for me because I can live in United State without any problem as a resident and apply to join a school and build my life her”

    Ahmed
  • “Recomiendo al máximo”

    Misleidy S.
  • “Dignity and respect”

    Modupe P.
  • “So fast and easy”

    Saira F.
  • “I became a proud US citizen without any challenges due to all the help and guidance I received from Joanne.”

    Shakti
  • “Thank you Joanne!”

    A. P.
  • “Professional, supportive and communicative”

    Yutong C.
  • “Incredibly knowledgeable”

    Mohammad A.
  • “I don't believe I could have made a better decision when I chose Joanne M. Fakhre to guide me through this difficult process.”

    Pasquale M.
  • “I trust her implicitly.”

    Jacqueline G.

Dedicated Legal Representation

Our Commitment to You
  • Customized Approach to Every Immigration Case

  • An Attorney Who Understands the Immigrant Experience

  • Compassionate & Understanding Representation

  • Continuous & Prompt Updates on Your Case

  • Strong Testimonials from Previous Clients

  • Personal & Professional Interaction with Clients

  • Selective Case Process for Sufficient Attention

  • Direct Attorney Access throughout Your Case

Our Commitment to Excellence

  • Avvo 10
  • Florida Association for Women Lawyers
  • The Florida Bar Seal
  • American Immigration Lawyers Association
  • Lawyer of the Year 2016 - Florida Association for Women Lawyers
  • The Navy League of the United States
  • Catholic Lawyers Guild of the Diocese of St. Augustine