A Strategic Approach to the EB2 National Interest Waiver

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 EB2-NIW case.

A Strategic Path to a Green Card. No Job Offer. No Lottery.

The EB2-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.

  • No employer or job offer required

    You petition based on the value and national importance of your work.

  • No PERM labor certification

    Skip the lengthy recruitment and audit process that delays most employer-sponsored green cards.

  • Compatible with H1B and O1A

    File EB2-NIW while maintaining your current visa status. Many clients pursue EB2-NIW and EB1A simultaneously.

Three Criteria. All Three Must Be Met.

Unlike EB1A, the EB-2 NIW requires applicants to satisfy all three
prongs, established under the Matter of Dhanasar framework.

Substantial Merit and National Importance

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.

Well-Positioned to Advance the Work

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.

Waiver Serves U.S. National Interests

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.

Why Choose EB2-NIW?

The EB2-NIW has a lower evidentiary bar than EB1A, making it accessible to strong mid-career professionals who may not yet have the top-tier recognition EB1A requires. It is a self-petition green card with no employer dependency, no PERM delays, and no lottery risk. Many clients file EB2-NIW and EB1A at the same time to maximize their options.

Who Qualifies for EB2-NIW?

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.

Software Engineers AI Researchers Healthcare Professionals Research Scientists H1B Holders Startup Founders

How We Build Your EB2-NIW Case?

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.

Strategic Case Evaluation

We assess your background against all three EB2-NIW prongs and determine the strongest framework for demonstrating that your work serves the national interest of the United States.

National Interest Evidence Strategy

We identify and organize evidence that supports your proposed endeavor, highlights your qualifications, and demonstrates the broader impact of your work on the U.S.

Recommendation Letter Strategy

Strong recommendation letters can play an important role in an EB-2 NIW petition. We advise on expert selection, provide strategic guidance on key themes, and review supporting letters to ensure they reinforce the overall case strategy.

Petition Narrative Development

We build a cohesive legal narrative that connects your achievements, expertise, and proposed endeavor to the three EB2-NIW requirements, creating a compelling case for a national interest waiver.

Pre-filing Petition Review

Available on Elite plans. A former USCIS officer conducts an independent review of your completed petition to identify potential gaps and strengthen the filing before submission.

Attorney-led End-to-end Representation

Your immigration attorney oversees every stage of the process, from eligibility assessment and strategy development to petition preparation, filing, and post-submission support.

Simple Plans. No Hidden Fees.

Every plan includes attorney-led preparation and filing. Choose the level of protection that fits your situation.

Essential

Core Filing

$6,950
  • Attorney-led petition preparation and filing
  • Comprehensive eligibility assessment
  • NIW strategy and case roadmap
  • Evidence review and organization
  • Case tracking and status updates
  • Committed preparation timeline

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Maximum Protection

$14,500
  • Everything in Premium
  • Independent pre-filing review by a former USCIS officer*
  • Senior attorney strategy review
  • Priority attorney access
  • Up to 100% fee protection after two unsuccessful filings*
  • Pre-filing ex-USCIS officer review
  • Advanced petition quality assurance review
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** Plan benefits, eligibility requirements, and fee protection terms are subject to the Pricing Terms & Conditions and Engagement Agreement. Please review the full Pricing Terms & Conditions for details.

Common questions about EB2-NIW.

Have a specific question about your profile? Schedule a free evaluation and we will answer it directly.

Ask an Attorney
The EB2-NIW is a self-petition green card for professionals with advanced degrees or extraordinary/exceptional 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 EB2-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.
EB1A requires the highest level of national or international recognition. EB2-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 EB2-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.

Your Achievements Are the Case.
We Build the Argument.

Our legal team develops a cohesive petition strategy that connects your expertise,
achievements, and proposed endeavor to the EB-2 NIW legal framework.