What is the EB-2 National Interest Waiver (EB2-NIW)?

The EB-2 National Interest Waiver (EB2-NIW) is a U.S. employment-based green card pathway that allows highly qualified professionals to apply for permanent residency without requiring employer sponsorship or the lengthy PERM labor certification process. Instead, applicants must demonstrate that their work has substantial merit and national importance to the United States under the Matter of Dhanasar framework.

The EB2-NIW offers:

• A self-petitioned pathway to U.S. permanent residency.
• No employer sponsorship or PERM labor certification requirement.
• Greater career flexibility while your Green Card application is being processed.

Why Choose the EB2-NIW?

• Apply for a Green Card without employer sponsorship.
• Skip the lengthy PERM labor certification process.
• Ideal for researchers, engineers, scientists, healthcare professionals, and innovators.
• Freedom to change employers while your application is under process.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the EB2-NIW, applicants must:

• Meet the EB-2 qualification through an advanced degree or exceptional ability.
• Demonstrate that the proposed work has substantial merit and national importance.
• Show they are well-positioned to successfully advance their proposed endeavor.
• Establish that granting the waiver benefits the United States more than requiring employer sponsorship and labor certification.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Evaluate Your Eligibility:
   • Assess whether your qualifications and achievements meet EB2-NIW requirements.
2. Prepare Supporting Evidence:
   • Gather academic records, publications, patents, recommendation letters, and professional achievements.
3. File Form I-140:
   • Submit the Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker (Form I-140) with all supporting documents.
4. USCIS Review:
   • USCIS reviews your petition and supporting evidence.
5. Green Card Processing:
   • Once approved and a visa number becomes available, apply for Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) or Consular Processing.

Required Documents

• Valid Passport
• Academic Degrees and Transcripts
• Professional Experience Certificates
• Research Publications, Citations, Patents or Awards (if applicable)
• Letters of Recommendation
• Detailed Statement of Proposed Endeavor
• Form I-140 and Supporting Evidence

Government Fees

The EB2-NIW application includes several government filing fees:

• Form I-140 Filing Fee – Approximately $1,015 to $1,385 (including applicable USCIS fees).
• Premium Processing (Optional) – $2,965 for expedited processing within 45 business days.
• Form I-485 Adjustment of Status Fee – Approximately $1,440 (if applying within the United States).
• Biometrics Fee (if applicable).

Benefits of the EB2-NIW

• No employer sponsorship required.
• No PERM labor certification process.
• Direct pathway to U.S. Permanent Residency (Green Card).
• Flexibility to change employers during the application process.
• Suitable for professionals making significant contributions to the U.S. economy, healthcare, research, and innovation.

Family Inclusion

Eligible family members can be included in your EB2-NIW Green Card application.

• Spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age may apply as dependents.
• Dependents generally receive permanent residency along with the principal applicant.

Processing Timelines

• Standard USCIS processing generally takes 8 to 20+ months.
• Premium Processing is available with a decision in approximately 45 business days.
• Final Green Card issuance depends on visa availability based on the U.S. Visa Bulletin and country of chargeability.

Why Choose Ubicor Capital for Your EB2-NIW Application?

Ubicor Capital provides expert guidance throughout your EB2-NIW Green Card journey, helping professionals build a strong and successful petition.

• Comprehensive Eligibility Assessment.
• Strategic Petition & Documentation Preparation.
• Professional Recommendation Letter Guidance.
• Complete Form I-140 Filing Assistance.
• End-to-End Support Until U.S. Permanent Residency.