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EB2 NIW

EB-2 NIW for Those With an Advanced Degree or Exceptional Ability

Experienced and vetted immigration lawyers powered by cutting-edge software.
  • We specialize in EB2 NIW visas. 12+ years of experience
  • Visa Approved or Money Back. Terms apply
  • We assist in building your profile and obtaining evidence
  • Flexible payment plans available
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What is an EB2 NIW visa?

The EB-2 NIW visa is for individuals with exceptional ability or advanced degrees. “NIW” (National Interest Waiver) means you can self-petition without employer sponsorship if your work benefits the U.S. With an approved EB-2 NIW, you receive a 10-year Green Card and can bring your spouse and unmarried children under 21. Below are some fast facts about the EB-2 NIW visa.

Visa category

Permanent residency (Green Card)
Extensions
Green Card renewable; not a temporary visa

Relatives

Spouses and minor children can get a green card with you

Timeline

Step 1: I-140 petition – 45 business days (premium) or 12-18 months (regular)
Step 2: I-485 Adjustment of Status – ~12-24 months (depends on visa bulletin)

USCIS fees

I-140: $715 – $1,315 + optional premium processing ($2,805)

I-485: $1,440

Who Qualifies for the EB-2 NIW Visa?

Many people and professions potentially qualify for the EB-2 NIW visa if they meet the requirements for an advanced degree or exceptional ability and their employment is in the national interest of the United States. Some of the potential options include:
Entrepreneurs and founders
Executives and managers
Software engineers, data scientists and designers
Artists, actors, creators
Inventors / Engineers
Journalists, editors, TV hosts
Medical professionals and doctors
Scientists, professors, researchers
Musicians
Find out whether you could qualify for the EB-2 visa with a National Interest Waiver when you request a consultation with one of our immigration attorneys.

What Are the Requirements for the EB-2 NIW Visa?

To qualify for the EB-2 NIW visa, you must have either an advanced degree (master’s or equivalent) or exceptional ability, demonstrated by meeting at least 3 of 6 specified criteria.

Criteria
  • Degree or similar award relating to your area of exceptional ability
  • 10+ years of full-time experience in your occupation
  • A license/certification for your profession or occupation
  • Exceptionally high salary
  • Membership in a professional association
  • Having received prizes, awards, or other recognitions for your achievements
If you are using the National Interest Waiver to self-petition, you must prove that:
  • Your work benefits the United States or your specific field or industry
  • You have the right background and skills to deliver on the project

Timeline for Getting an EB-2 NIW Visa

Obtaining an EB-2 NIW visa can take between 2 and 3 years on average, but working with an EB-2 NIW lawyer can help speed things up. Below is a general outline of our process and the timeline for getting an EB-2 NIW visa.

Step 1: Initial evaluation
Our team will help you better understand if you qualify for the EB-2 NIW Visa. We only take cases that we believe we can win, so we may conduct a preliminary review before proceeding.

Average time: 1 business day

Step 2: Case Preparation
We work with you to prepare your I-140 application, including providing proof of qualification and document translations.
Average time: 4-8 weeks
Step 3: Petition filing
Our EB-2 NIW lawyers work quickly, and the time it takes to complete this step depends largely on the time it takes to receive your documents. Once the petition is filed, the average USCIS processing time is between 11 and 16 months.

Average time: 1 business day

Step 4: Adjustment of Status
If your NIW petition is approved, we will move to the next step, which is filing for an adjustment of status under form I-485. We will keep you informed of any news or updates related to your case and petition.
Average time: 1 business day
Step 5: Getting Your Green Card
If your adjustment of status is approved, you will receive your Green Card by mail in 1 to 3 weeks.

The sooner you get started, the sooner your petition can be approved. Contact WWICS today to start the process.

Disclaimer: WWICS does not guarantee specific timelines or results for any case. The estimated length is provided for illustration purposes only.
How Hard Is It to Get an EB-2 NIW Visa?
While the approval rate for the EB-2 NIW visa was 95% in 2023, it’s predicted to drop as low as 40% over the next couple of years. The best thing you can do to increase your chances of success is to work with an experienced EB-2 NIW lawyer.

Keep in mind that the wait times for this visa can be lengthy, with the initial I-140 visa petition sometimes taking as long as 2 years to approve. You’ll still need to apply for an adjustment of status with Form I-485 and wait for that to be processed as well. If that timeline isn’t feasible for your situation, you may want to discuss other visa options with an immigration attorney.

At WWICS, we have a 97% success rate when it comes to helping clients get approved for the EB-2 NIW visa. We know what the government is looking for and how to put together an application that highlights your exceptional ability and why your work is of national interest.

Why It’s Important to Work With an EB-2 NIW Immigration Lawyer
One of the most challenging aspects of the EB-2 NIW visa is that it is subjective, especially if you are applying based on exceptional ability. You must put together an application packet that includes persuasive evidence that positions you as a leader in your field who is well-positioned to succeed.

An attorney can help you identify and collect evidence and documentation and present it in a way that tells a compelling story about your profession and contributions to your field, whether you’re a celebrity or an entrepreneur.

Working with an immigration attorney can also help you avoid the most common pitfalls that can lead to denials, such as missing English translations of your documents or not providing enough evidence of national interest.

What Makes WWICS Different?
At WWICS, we understand how overwhelming and frustrating it can be to try to find and hire a lawyer to help you with your NIW petition. That’s why we’ve created a solution that connects you with vetted attorneys, all while offering transparent pricing and a clear path forward. You’ll even get your own personal case manager who keeps you updated on your case and explains what’s happening in clear, easy-to-understand terms.

Our advisory board includes previous immigration officials who understand exactly how the visa and immigration process works and what needs to be in an application for the best chances of success. We also use technology to analyze the most recent trends on approvals and denials to ensure we have the most reliable data possible to help you with your case.

If you’re considering the EB-2 NIW visa as an option, contact WWICS to find out how we can help. You can call, send an email, or request a consultation right from our website to connect however works best for you. Our experienced specialists are here for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Using an EB-2 NIW Lawyer

Have questions about EB2 NIW visa? We have answers

How much does an EB-2 NIW Green Card cost?

The EB-2 NIW visa involves two steps before getting that coveted Green Card. First, you’ll need to submit the I-140 application, which costs $715. The second step is the I-485 application for an adjustment of status, which costs $1,440 for most people.

Do I need an EB-2 NIW lawyer to apply for the EB-2 visa?

You aren’t required to hire an EB-2 visa lawyer, and legally, you’re allowed to file for the visa on your own, but this could reduce your chances of success. Across the industry, the EB-2 NIW approval rate is around 43%. WWICS has an approval rate of 97%, dramatically increasing your chances of success.

Can a lawyer help you get a Green Card faster?

While an attorney can’t change the government’s processing times, working with an immigration lawyer can help speed up the process in other ways. Our attorneys use their knowledge and experience to avoid potential delays and find the most efficient path forward.

Can I apply for a National Interest Waiver on my own?

Yes, it’s possible to apply for the National Interest Waiver on your own. However, collaborating with a qualified EB-2 NIW lawyer at WWICS can increase your chances of success by ensuring you present the strongest case possible.

How much do lawyers charge for an EB-2 NIW visa?

The typical lawyer fee for an EB-2 NIW visa ranges from $5,000 to $24,000. Some firms have additional fees if you receive a Request for Evidence. WWICS charges a flat fee of $7,995 for the initial I-140 application. Once that’s approved, the filing fees for the I-485 adjustment of status application begin at $4,999.

How should you choose an EB-2 NIW lawyer?

When choosing the best EB-2 NIW lawyer, ask questions about their experience with your specific visa type. Ideally, you want an attorney who has had successful prior cases with applicants with similar profiles to yours. We always recommend asking a potential attorney to give examples of similar cases they handled and what their success rate is. It can also be helpful to ask about the most common reasons for denial they’ve received and how they addressed those.
As you consider your options, look for an attorney who is a good communicator, who can appealingly tell your story, and who makes you feel like they care about your case. At WWICS, we’re always happy to answer all of your questions to ensure we’re a good fit.

How can I find the best EB-2 Lawyer near me?

A simple Google search can help you connect to EB-2 NIW lawyers near you, but it’s important to evaluate them carefully to ensure they’re a good match. Make sure they’ve successfully helped clients with similar profiles get the EB-2 NIW visa and that they have plenty of positive reviews. Check out some of our client success stories to find out what makes us different.

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