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EB-2 NIW Visa — National Interest Waiver Green Card
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Quick eligibility check

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1Question 1 of 4 — Do you hold an advanced degree or exceptional ability in your field?
2Question 2 of 4 — Does your work have national importance to the U.S.?
3Question 3 of 4 — Are you well-positioned to advance your proposed endeavor?
4Question 4 of 4 — Would waiving the job offer benefit the U.S.?

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Typical timeline

12 months

Indicative end-to-end processing; varies by case.

Job offer

Independent

Not required

No employer sponsorship is needed.

Occupation lists

Eligible occupations(5/5)

  • 1Typical Eligible Fields(5)
    Scientists, researchers, and engineers advancing U.S. innovation and technologyHealthcare professionals and public health experts improving national well-beingEntrepreneurs and startup founders driving economic growth and innovationAcademics, educators, and policy specialists shaping critical U.S. sectorsArtists and cultural professionals contributing to U.S. national interest

Program overview

Overview

The EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) visa is designed for individuals who hold advanced degrees or possess exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business. It provides a direct path to U.S. permanent residency without the need for an employer job offer or labor certification, provided the applicant’s work benefits the national interest of the United States.

Official

Government fees

Total (USD): $2,155
  • USCIS — Form I-140 (EB-2 NIW Petition)

    —

    $715
  • Adjustment of Status or Consular Stage (Form I-485 / DS-260)

    —

    $1,440

Eligibility

  • Hold an advanced degree or show exceptional ability.
  • Prove your work has national importance and merit.
  • Show you’re well-positioned to advance your field in the U.S.
  • Demonstrate the U.S. benefits from waiving job offer and PERM.

Key benefits

  • Self-petition option — no job offer or PERM needed.
  • Faster route to a U.S. Green Card.
  • Open to professionals, researchers, and entrepreneurs.
  • Family (spouse and children under 21) included.
Checklist

Document checklist

14 total items

Documents vary by profile; we’ll tailor your list.

Identity and Civil Documents
3 items
  • Valid passport (current and previous)
  • Passport-size photos (per USCIS specifications)
  • Birth certificate and civil status proof
Academic and Professional Evidence
3 items
  • Degree certificates and transcripts (advanced or equivalent)
  • Resume or CV with education, experience, and key achievements
  • Proof of exceptional ability — awards, memberships, or publications
National Interest Evidence
5 items
  • Statement detailing the proposed endeavor and its national importance
  • Evidence showing you are well-positioned to advance your field
  • Documentation proving the waiver benefits the U.S.
  • Recommendation letters from recognized experts
  • Supporting media, publications, or impact reports
Forms and Supporting Documents
3 items
  • Form I-140 — Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker
  • Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) or DS-260 (Consular Processing)
  • Field-specific evidence — patents, projects, or major contributions
Snapshot

Eligible dependents

2 of 4 categories included

2 of 4 categories eligible. Children up to 21. Spouse included. Siblings not included.

IncludedNot included
Spouse
Included
Yes
Children
Up to 21 years21
Yes
Parents
Not included
No
Siblings
Not included
No

Application process

Process

How it works

  1. Step 1: Eligibility Review

    Evaluate your education, experience, and national interest impact.

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks

  2. Step 2: Prepare & File Form I-140

    Submit your EB-2 NIW petition with supporting documents to USCIS.

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks

  3. Step 3: USCIS Review

    USCIS assesses your eligibility and national interest justification.

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks

  4. Step 4: Status Adjustment

    After approval, file Form I-485 (in U.S.) or DS-260 (abroad).

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks

  5. Step 5: Biometrics & Interview

    Complete fingerprinting and attend interviews if required.

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks

  6. Step 6: Receive Green Card

    Obtain U.S. permanent residency after final approval.

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks

Who this program is NOT for

  • Weak link between your work and U.S. national interest.
  • No proof of advanced degree or exceptional ability.
  • Insufficient supporting documentation.

Not a match? Explore other programs in United States.

Frequently asked questions

A self-petition U.S. Green Card for professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability whose work benefits national interest.

No. The NIW waives both job offer and PERM labor certification.

Professionals, researchers, and entrepreneurs with exceptional ability or advanced degrees.

Processing usually takes 12–18 months, depending on USCIS timelines.

Yes. Spouse and unmarried children under 21 can apply for Green Cards.

We guide your EB-2 NIW case from eligibility check to final Green Card approval.

Client testimonials

“Seamless employer-sponsor coordination and PR plan.”
TL
Tech Lead, Toronto
1/2Auto

Why work with us

A private-client approach to second citizenship: transparent costs, rigorous compliance, and execution without friction.

  1. Dedicated due-diligence desk and source-of-funds guidance.
  2. Government-approved project vetting and exit planning.
  3. End-to-end execution: strategy, documentation, submission, oath & passports.
  4. Confidential handling and white-glove concierge for families.
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  • Licensed local agents
  • KYC/AML workflows
  • Transparent fee schedule