About EB2-NIW The EB-2 visa offers a key route for individuals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities to obtain permanent residency in the United States. Designed to draw highly skilled professionals from around the globe, this visa category supports U.S. economic and social growth.
Fast Processing Time
No Labor Certification
No Employer Dependency
What is the National Interest Waiver (NIW)? The National Interest Waiver (NIW) is a special option under the EB-2 visa category that allows applicants to skip the labor certification process and the need for a specific job offer. To qualify, applicants must show: National Importance: Their work provides substantial benefits to the U.S. economy, culture, or overall well-being. Strong Potential for Success: They possess the qualifications, experience, and achievements that indicate they are well-suited to advance in their field.
Who is Eligible for the EB-2 Visa?
Advanced Degree (EB-2A)
The EB-2A visa requires applicants to hold a U.S. master’s degree (or foreign equivalent), or a bachelor’s degree with five years of progressive professional experience. The degree must directly relate to the occupation for which permanent residency is sought.
This subcategory suits professionals in fields like engineering, medicine, computer science, finance, and education. It’s designed for those with significant academic training and on-the-job experience, as this combination demonstrates advanced expertise.
To qualify, applicants typically need a permanent job offer from a U.S. employer and must complete the PERM labor certification process. This process ensures no qualified U.S. workers are available and that hiring a foreign worker won’t negatively impact U.S. labor conditions.
While employer sponsorship is standard for EB-2A, applicants can pursue a National Interest Waiver (NIW). If their work benefits the nation, the job offer and labor certification requirements can be waived, offering flexibility for those engaged in work of national significance.
Exceptional Ability (EB-2B)
The EB-2B visa targets individuals with exceptional ability in sciences, arts, or business. This high level of expertise can be showcased through significant achievements like publications, awards, patents, professional memberships, high salaries reflecting expertise, or major field contributions.
Unlike the EB-2A (Advanced Degree) path, the EB-2B doesn’t mandate a specific educational degree. Instead, it emphasizes documented recognition of unique skills and sustained contributions, demonstrating expertise significantly beyond the norm for their profession.
To qualify, applicants must meet at least three USCIS criteria. These include academic records, professional licenses, recommendation letters, media coverage, or proof of original contributions of major significance to their field.
While a U.S. job offer and labor certification are usually required, the National Interest Waiver (NIW) can bypass these. This waiver is granted if the applicant’s work shows substantial merit and national importance, they are well-positioned to advance the endeavor, and waiving the standard requirements serves the national interest.
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$
100-200
Book a Session where you’ll work directly with our team to thoroughly analyze your profile and select the most suitable Green Card visa for you. The fee paid is deductible from your visa application costs.
Session covers:
- Q and A session
- Review resume/ profile
- Determine best services with an affordable financial plan.
- Continuous followup after call
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EB2-NIW Processing Service
$
3,000.00
Service fee covers the following:
- Define the topic / endeavor for the petition
- Redesign resume to fit petition and LinkedIn optimization
- Draft recommendation letters
- Personalized, ongoing support from an expert consultant
- Draft petition letter and coordinate all exhibits required
- Prepare and fill out forms I-140, G-1145, G-1450, ETA forms, alongside organized evidence & petition letters
- Review the final petition with the applicant
- Send Final documents for your submission
Timeline For Processing
EB2-NIW Visa/Greencard
Step 1:
Free Evaluation:
Submit a free evaluation request form
Step 2
Feedback from EBTeam:
Receive a response from Principal consultant in 72 hours
Step 3
Retainership:
Sign agreement and pay service fee
Step 4
Documentation:
Recommendation letter, Petition, Prepare document , finalize petition letter, fill out form i-140
Step 5
Support:
Ongoing Communication & Support from EBTeam consultants
USCIS (Government) filing fees are as follows:
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$1015 per I-140 petition ($715 filing fee plus $300 asylum program fee)
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$2805 for optional premium processing for any I-140 petition that is filed
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$1440 per I-485 green card application for anyone 14 years or older
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$950 per I-485 green card application for any child under 14 years old
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$260 per person for optional I-765 work permit application
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$630 per person for optional I-131 advance parole travel document application
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Consular Processing Fees – $345 per person
FAQs About the EB2-NIW
What does NIW stand for?
NIW stands for National Interest Waiver, which is a category within the U.S. green card application process, specifically under the EB-2 visa category. Generally, application of second preference of employment-based immigrant visa requires a specific job offer and labor certification process (PERM). However, a foreign national may seek a waiver of job offer or PERM process by establishing that his/her admission to permanent residence would be in the national interest of the United States
Is NIW a green card?
Yes, the EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) is a category within the U.S. green card application process. If your I-140 NIW petition is approved, it means you have met the eligibility requirements for the EB-2 visa category. However, you will still need to complete the subsequent step, such as filing an Adjustment of Status application (Form I-485) or Immigrant Visa Processing, to obtain your green card.
Who can file a petition under EB2 NIW (National Interest Waiver)?
A foreign national may file his/her own EB2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) petition or an employer can petition for the foreign national.
What does EB2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) waive?
The National Interest Waiver waives the labor certification process and the necessity of having an offer of employment.
Is a labor certification required before the filing of an I-140?
No labor certification is required before the I-140 filing for all categories of EB2-NIW
What is an advanced degree for the purpose of EB-2 visa?
Advanced degree for the purpose of EB-2 visa is a United States advanced degree (degrees above a bachelors) or a foreign equivalent degree.
What if one only has a Bachelor’s degree, and not a Master's or above?
If the foreign national has only received a United States baccalaureate degree or a foreign equivalent degree, the experience of at least five years of progressive, post-baccalaureate experience in the specialty plus the bachelor’s degree will be sufficient for the advanced degree requirement. Otherwise, the foreign national needs to show exceptional ability
What is “exceptional ability“ for the purpose of EB2 petition?
The other group in the second employment-based preference includes foreign nationals with exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business. Athletes may be considered aliens of exceptional abilities in the arts for purposes of qualifying in the second employment-based preference.
Who has “exceptional ability“? What document qualifies then as evidence of “exceptional ability“?
For EB-1A cases, identify which of the ten regulatory criteria the alien is attempting to satisfy and the relevant evidence for each individual criterion. In addition, provide a statement and evidence that the alien beneficiary is coming to the U.S. to continue to be employed in his or her area of sustained national or international acclaim.
May other evidence be considered in addition to the listed six criteria of “exceptional ability“?
Yes. The USCIS has indicated that it will consider comparable evidence that is appropriate to the foreign national’s application in the event the foreign national cannot provide the type of evidence listed above.
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