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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.
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:
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.
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
Pass our free initial self-assessment quiz. Takes less than 5 minutes
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.
Disclaimer: Manifest Law 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 Manifest Law, 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 Manifest Law Different?
At Manifest Law, 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 Manifest Law 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.
How Much Does An EB-2 NIW Lawyer Cost?
Manifest Law 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.
Get more information on our EB-2 NIW lawyer services and which plan is best for you when you contact our team.
Approvals & Success Stories
A look at some of the immigration cases we’ve successfully guided to approval. Every case tells a story, and we're proud to be part of our clients' journeys.
EB2-NIW Visa
Approval Date: January 2025
Frequently Asked Questions About Using an EB-2 NIW Lawyer
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