Built for professionals whose work creates value beyond a single employer. We combine strategic legal guidance with a technology-driven process to position your contributions, demonstrate national importance, and build a compelling EB-2 NIW case.
The EB-2 NIW is a second-preference employment-based green card for professionals with advanced degrees whose work benefits U.S. national interests. You bypass the employer job offer and PERM labor certification requirements entirely.
Unlike EB-1A, the EB-2 NIW requires applicants to satisfy all three prongs, established under the Matter of Dhanasar framework.
Your work must contribute to an area of substantial merit, such as digital infrastructure, intelligent automation, healthcare, clean energy, national security, or economic development. The impact must extend beyond your employer.
You must demonstrate you are actively driving the work forward through published research, technical leadership, patents, industry recognition, or a strong track record of relevant achievements in your field.
The benefit of waiving the job offer and labor certification requirements must outweigh the national interest in protecting U.S. workers. Your unique contribution must justify the waiver.
The EB-2 NIW has a lower evidentiary bar than EB-1A, making it accessible to strong mid-career professionals who may not yet have the top-tier recognition EB-1A requires. It is a self-petition green card with no employer dependency, no PERM delays, and no lottery risk. Many clients file EB-2 NIW and EB-1A at the same time to maximize their options.
Strong candidates include engineers building nationally significant technology, researchers with work tied to U.S. priorities, healthcare professionals addressing critical needs, AI professionals advancing U.S. capabilities, and founders whose companies create economic value. H1B holders and OPT graduates seeking a direct path to permanent residency are also strong fits.
The EB2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) allows qualified professionals to self-petition for a U.S. green card by demonstrating that their work has substantial merit and national importance to the United States.
** Former USCIS officer review is provided in an advisory capacity only and does not guarantee approval or influence USCIS adjudication. All legal work is performed and supervised by licensed attorneys.
Every plan includes attorney-led preparation and filing. Choose the level of protection that fits your situation.
$6,950
$8,950
$14,500
** Plan benefits, eligibility requirements, and fee protection terms are subject to the Pricing Terms & Conditions and Engagement Agreement. RFE/NOID responses may incur additional fees of $2,500. Please review the full Pricing Terms & Conditions for details.
Have a specific question about your profile? Schedule a free evaluation and we will answer it directly.
The EB-2 NIW is a self-petition green card for professionals with advanced degrees or extraordinary/exceptional ability whose work benefits U.S. national interests. You apply without an employer, job offer, or labor certification by demonstrating that your work meets all three USCIS national interest criteria.
Yes. The EB-2 NIW is a self-petition green card. No employer, job offer, or PERM labor certification required. You petition based entirely on the value and national importance of your work.
EB-1A requires the highest level of national or international recognition. EB-2 NIW has a lower evidentiary bar and focuses on national interest contributions rather than extraordinary acclaim. Both are self-petition green cards with no employer required. Many clients file both simultaneously to maximize their chances.
Yes. The EB-2 NIW is fully compatible with H1B and OPT status. You can file the I-140 petition while maintaining your current visa. It is one of the most direct paths to permanent residency for professionals on temporary work authorization.
With premium processing, USCIS issues a decision on the I-140 in 15 to 45 business days. Standard processing takes several months. Country of birth affects wait times for the final green card step, particularly for Indian and Chinese nationals.
Our legal team develops a cohesive petition strategy that connects your expertise, achievements, and proposed endeavor to the EB-2 NIW legal framework.
