Overview
The EB-2 National Interest Waiver lets foreign nationals who qualify for EB-2 (advanced degree or exceptional ability) bypass employer sponsorship and labor certification by showing their work serves the U.S. national interest. Under the Dhanasar framework, officers weigh whether the proposed endeavor has substantial merit and national importance, whether you are well positioned to advance it, and whether waiving the job offer requirement benefits the United States. NIW is especially friendly to researchers, engineers, physicians and entrepreneurs.
Eligibility Requirements
- An advanced degree (master's or above) OR exceptional ability in the field
- Proposed work with substantial merit and national importance
- You are well positioned to advance the endeavor (education, skills, results, progress)
- On balance, waiving the job offer and labor certification benefits the U.S.
- Recommended: 3+ recommendation letters from field experts
Program Advantages
- Self-petition — no employer required
- Avoids the lengthy PERM labor certification process
- Friendlier standard than EB-1A, accessible to most master's/PhD talent
- May be filed in parallel with EB-1A to improve odds
- Spouse and unmarried children under 21 obtain green cards simultaneously
Application Process
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1
Profile Assessment & Positioning
Define your field and frame its national importance.
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2
Letters & Evidence Collection
We guide expert letters and compile proof of impact.
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3
File Form I-140 (NIW)
Petition letter filed; Premium Processing optional.
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4
Priority Date & Adjustment
Upon priority date availability, we file I-485 or proceed consular.
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5
Interview & Approval
Interview coaching, then approval and entry.
Fees
| Legal Service Fees Starting at $5,000. Final fees are subject to attorney evaluation. | $5,000 |
| Form I-140 Filing Fee (Gov.) | $715 |
| Premium Processing Fee (Gov.) Optional Result within 15 calendar days | $2,805 |
| Immigrant Visa Fee DS-260 (Gov.) Per person | $345 |
| USCIS Immigrant Fee (Gov.) Per person | $235 |
| Asylum Fee (Employer / Self-Petition) | 300美元 – 600美元 |
| Consular Green Card (DS-260 + issuance support) | 2965美元 |
Typical fee structure shown; government fees follow official current rates.