USA EB-2 NIW Visa for Professionals and Entrepreneurs

  • Green Card without employer or sponsorship
  • Pathway for advanced degree holders & exceptional ability
  • Secure permanent residency with your family
Assess Your Chances

2–3

Months to prepare and submit petition (case building)

85–90%

Approval rate for well-prepared petitions

10

Years Green Card validity (renewable, leads to citizenship after 5 years)

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More than 500 clients trust us their relocation

Benefits of the USA EB-2 NIW Visa

Permanent U.S. Residency

Secure a Green Card for you and your family, granting the right to live and work in the United States indefinitely

Pathway to U.S. Citizenship

After 5 years as a Green Card holder, you can apply for American citizenship

Family Inclusion

Your spouse also receives a Green Card and can work freely; children under 21 can attend U.S. schools and universities

No Employer or Sponsor Required

Self-petition without needing a U.S. job offer or labor certification (PERM)

Flexible Career Mobility

You can change jobs or start your own business without affecting your immigration status

National Interest Advantage

Unlike EB-1, you don’t need to prove extraordinary ability—only that your work brings significant value and is in the national interest of the U.S.

Take off your Global Mobility Journey

Start Your Case

Eligibility for USA EB-2 NIW Visa

Advanced Degree
Applicants must hold a degree above a bachelor’s (Master’s, PhD, MD, or foreign equivalent) OR a bachelor’s degree plus 5 years of progressive work experience

Exceptional Ability
Applicants without an advanced degree may qualify by proving exceptional ability in sciences, arts, or business. At least 3 of 7 USCIS criteria must be met (e.g., 10+ years of experience, high salary, professional memberships, awards, licenses, publications, or comparable evidence).

National Interest Waiver (NIW) Criteria
Applicants must demonstrate that:Their proposed endeavor has substantial merit and national importance.They are well-positioned to advance this endeavor.It benefits the U.S. to waive the job offer and labor certification requirement.

Self-Petition
No employer, sponsor, or job offer is required — applicants may file independently.

Explore stories of our clients who already
received USA EB-2 NIW Visa

Carlos Mendes

Founder & CEO of a FinTech startup

The EB-2 NIW process is not just paperwork — it’s about positioning your achievements the right way. Tech Nomads knew exactly how to highlight my leadership record and international recognition. Their support secured permanent residency for me and my family.

Sofia Alvarez

Award-winning Designer

As a creative professional, I had a strong portfolio but didn’t know how to prove it in legal terms. Tech Nomads helped me compile press coverage, recommendation letters, and international awards into a winning EB-1 petition. I now live and work in New York without the stress of temporary visas.

Evgeny Pavlov

David Chen

CTO in AI & Robotics

I wasn’t sure my track record in engineering would meet the EB-1 standard. Tech Nomads guided me through every step — from identifying evidence to preparing letters from industry leaders. Their expertise made the difference. Today, I’m a U.S. permanent resident.

Daniel Digo

CEO & Co-founder, Beinfit

Daniel Digo's pathway from a seasoned entrepreneur in Israel to a trailblazer in the UK tech industry. Launch of BeInFit, fueled by the Innovator Visa and Tech Nomads' crucial support, exemplifying resilience and growth.

Daniel Digo

CEO & Co-founder, Beinfit

Daniel Digo's pathway from a seasoned entrepreneur in Israel to a trailblazer in the UK tech industry. Launch of BeInFit, fueled by the Innovator Visa and Tech Nomads' crucial support, exemplifying resilience and growth.

Daniel Digo

CEO & Co-founder, Beinfit

Daniel Digo's pathway from a seasoned entrepreneur in Israel to a trailblazer in the UK tech industry. Launch of BeInFit, fueled by the Innovator Visa and Tech Nomads' crucial support, exemplifying resilience and growth.

Visa Packages

Be flexible! Tech Nomads elaborated agile service packages to match your best interest

Endorsement Lite

Upgrade your package at any time

Non-immigration Advice

What’s included:

Stage – Documents Review for Endorsement

60-Min Consultation with Case Leader about getting Petition Documents

Basic Guide Step by Step Getting Petition Process

Petition Documents Reviewed by a dedicated Case Leader with feedback

Endorsement Pro

Upgrade your package at any time

Non-immigration Advice

What’s included:

Stage – Document preparation

Dedicated Case Leader

Detailed Guide Step by Step Getting Petition Process

Documents prepared and reviewed by a Case Leader with feedback

Stage – Document preparation

Dedicated Case Leader

Full Assistance on Reference Letters and Personal Statement Preparation

Tips, templates and examples of documents, reference letters and CV

Case submission to USCIS

Application assistance to USCIS

Access to Marketplace of Relocation Services

Full Assistance

Upgrade your package at any time

Immigration Advice

What’s included:

Stage – Document preparation

Dedicated Case Leader

Detailed Guide Step by Step Getting Endorsement Process

Documents prepared and reviewed by a Case Leader with feedback

Stage – Document preparation

Dedicated Case Leader

Full Assistance on Reference Letters and Personal Statement Preparation

Tips, templates and examples of documents, reference letters and CV

Case submission to USCIS

Application assistance to USCIS

Access to Marketplace of Relocation Services

Stage – Visa Application

Dedicated USA Immigration Attorney

Full assistance and preparation of documents for USA Government Authorities

Visa Case submission to USA Government Authorities

Detailed Guide Step by Step Getting Visa Process

Talk to Global Mobility Expert

USA EB-2 NIW Visa

Advanced Degree or Exceptional Ability

The applicant must demonstrate advanced qualifications or show exceptional ability in their field.

Prospective employment in the U.S. is not required. Applicants may self-petition.

Eligibility options:
1. Advanced Degree
Master’s, PhD, MD, or equivalent (U.S. or foreign)
OR Bachelor’s degree + 5 years of progressive work experience

2. Exceptional Ability
If no advanced degree, the applicant must provide AT LEAST 3 of the following:

Official academic record (degree, diploma, certificate)

10+ years of full-time professional experience

License or certification in the profession

Evidence of high salary/remuneration compared to peers

Membership in professional associations

Recognition for significant contributions (awards, media, government/industry recognition)

Comparable evidence of distinction

National Interest Waiver (NIW) Criteria

The applicant must prove that waiving the job offer and labor certification is in the U.S. national interest.

All 3 must be met:

The proposed endeavor has substantial merit and national importance

The applicant is well-positioned to advance this endeavor

Waiving the job offer and labor certification benefits the United States

Not sure where to start?
Find out if you're Eligible.

Book a Call

Three Steps to Your U.S. Green Card (EB-2 NIW):
Petition letter and Visa Approval

Step 1. Case Preparation

What is Case Preparation?

This is the stage where we design your EB-2 NIW strategy with our U.S. immigration attorney. Together, we decide how to best demonstrate your qualifications (advanced degree or exceptional ability) and how to prove national interest.

What documents are needed?

Diplomas and academic records (BA/MA/PhD or equivalent)
Proof of at least 10 years of professional experience (for exceptional ability)
Membership in professional associations
Publications, patents, media coverage, or citations
Recommendation letters from recognized experts
Evidence of projects or contributions with national importance to the U.S.

How long does it take?

Typically 2–3 months. If your profile needs strengthening (e.g., publications, memberships, references), 4–6 months.

Why is this stage important?

Because USCIS expects a comprehensive, structured petition package — often 1,000–1,500 pages — the way evidence is organized and explained can significantly impact the outcome of your petition.

Step 2. Petition Approval (Form I-140)

What is Form I-140?

The Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker. This is the main filing with USCIS to prove that you qualify for EB-2 NIW and can waive the labor certification requirement.

Who files it?

You file it yourself. NIW allows self-petition — no employer needed

How long does it take?

Standard processing: ~8–10 months
Premium processing: 45 calendar days ($2,805 fee)

Can it be denied?

Yes, but options include:
Responding to RFE
Refilling with stronger evidence
Filing a Motion to Reopen or Reconsider

Most applicants strengthen and resubmit, as it’s faster and more effective than an appeal

Book a Free Call

Step 3. Green Card Application

After your I-140 petition is approved, the next step is applying for your Green Card.

If you are outside the U.S.:
File Form DS-260 and attend an interview at your local U.S. Embassy.

If you are inside the U.S.:
File Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) without leaving the country.

Processing time:
Usually 6–12 months, depending on your country of birth and the current Visa Bulletin.

Result:
You and your family receive U.S. Green Cards — granting permanent residency, freedom to work and study, and a clear pathway to U.S. citizenship after 5 years.

USA EB-1 Visa for Talents & Leaders Petition and Visa Application Process

Step

Visa Roadmap

How we solve the puzzle

01

3–4 weeks

Case Preparation

Together with a licensed U.S. attorney, we design your EB-2 NIW strategy. The focus: proving your advanced degree/exceptional ability and showing why your work is in the national interest of the U.S.Typical petition size: 1,200–1,800 pages.

Profile analysis & NIW eligibility check 

Develop “national interest” argumentation 

Collect & draft evidence (education, impact projects, letters of recommendation, publications) 

02

15 calendar days with Premium Processing (+1–2 weeks for filing)

Petition Approval (Form I-140)

USCIS reviews whether your contributions have substantial merit and national importance, and whether waiving the job offer/labor certification benefits the U.S. RFEs are more common in NIW cases.

Prepare and file Form I-140 with NIW argumentation

Draft persuasive attorney cover letter 

03

Around 3–4 weeks total

Green Card Application

After I-140 approval: 
– If outside the U.S.: file DS-260 and attend Embassy interview 
– If inside the U.S.: file I-485 (Adjustment of Status). !!

For some countries (India, China) backlog may add extra waiting years.

Prepare DS-260 or I-485

Submit forms & supporting documents

Facilitate government fee payments

Schedule and prepare for the interview

90%

USA EB2 NIW Visa Granted with Tech Nomads

4-6 months

Tech Nomads timeline

Visa
Roadmap

How we solves
the puzzle

Step 1. 4-6 weeks
Prepare Personal Profile and
Professional Journey

Drafting and preparing documents package and collecting information about Resume and Professional Experience

Prepare your case by collecting and drafting all necessary documents

Provide necessary templates

Complete all the required forms

Step 2. 8-16 weeks
Petition Process

Application is submitted to USCIS, they will assess the applicant’s skills, abilities, and achievements, and explain  the USCIS whether petition of applicant can be approved.

Prepare all the necessary documents

Full assistance with the Petition Application & Process

Step 3. 1-3 weeks
Visa Process

U.S. Embassy considers immigration aspects, such as whether general grounds for refusal apply and, if you are already in the U.S., whether you can switch into the category.

Finalise and prepare case documents for submission to U.S. Embassy

Complete and submit the online application form

Facilitate payment of government immigration fees

Schedule an Interview with U.S. Embassy based on your current location

93%

USA O-1 Visa Granted with Tech Nomads

13-27 weeks

Tech Nomads timeline

Get Started

USA EB-2 NIW Visa in Real stories

Anastasia Bochkovskaia

Software Developer / Founder of Surf

Innovator Founder Visa Endorsement

Software Developer / Founder of Surf

Anastasia Bochkovskaia is a software developer with a passion for creating meaningful digital experiences. Faced with the complex UK Innovator Founder Visa process, she partnered with Tech Nomads to bring clarity to her vision and secure endorsement for her startup, Surf.

Read full story

Robert Kim

Co-founder & CEO

UK Global Talent Visa (IT)

United Kingdom

Co-founder & CEO

AI entrepreneur Robert Kim, co-founder of Laminar, secured the UK Global Talent Visa with support from Tech Nomads. His innovative work in LLM observability and open-source development impressed Tech Nation despite early-stage challenges.

Read full story

Sunil Ghai

Fintech & AI Product Manager

UK Global Talent Visa (IT)

United Kingdom

Fintech & AI Product Manager

Sunil Ghai, a tech entrepreneur with previous roles at Wise and IBM Research, has joined Antler London’s April 2025 cohort to launch his next global fintech venture, aiming to drive innovation in the financial services industry.

Read full story

Read more Cases

Endorsement Lite

Upgrade your package at any time

Non-immigration Advice

Endorsement Pro

Upgrade your package at any time

Non-immigration Advice

Full Assistance

Upgrade your package at any time

Immigration Advice

Post-Relocation Services

Get USA Permanent Residency and USA Passport

Obtaining U.S. Green Card with EB-2 NIW

The EB-2 NIW is an immigrant visa — it leads directly to a Green Card for you and your family, without the need for employer sponsorship or labor certification.

Once approved, you become a U.S. Permanent Resident, with the right to live, work, and study anywhere in the U.S. without restrictions.

Your spouse also receives a Green Card and can work freely; your children under 21 can attend U.S. schools and universities.

Obtaining U.S. Citizenship in 1 Year

After holding a Green Card for 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen), you can apply for:

U.S. Naturalisation (Form N-400)
Pass a basic English and civics test
Attend an interview and take the Oath of Allegiance

Once approved, you receive your U.S. passport.

Know It All about Global Mobility

Tech Nomads trust in knowledge. We've gathered valuable insights, case study and latest trends for you to make informed decisions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the EB-2 NIW Visa?

The EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) is a U.S. immigrant visa that allows professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability to apply for a Green Card without a job offer or employer sponsorship — if their work is considered to be in the national interest of the United States.

What does “National Interest Waiver” mean?

Normally, EB-2 visas require employer sponsorship and a Labor Certification (PERM). With NIW, this requirement is waived if you can demonstrate that your work has substantial merit and national importance, and that waiving the job offer requirement benefits the U.S.

Who is eligible for EB-2 NIW?

You qualify if you meet one of the following:

Hold an advanced degree (Master’s or higher, or a Bachelor’s + 5 years of progressive experience), or
Have exceptional ability in sciences, business, or arts, proven by recognized achievements.

Additionally, you must show your proposed work has national importance and that you are well-positioned to advance it in the U.S.

What evidence is required?

Typical supporting documents include:

Academic diplomas and transcripts
Published articles, media coverage, or patents
Recommendation letters from experts in your field
Evidence of membership in professional associations
Proof of significant career achievements, awards, or contributions with measurable impact

Can my family join me?

Yes. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can receive Green Cards as your dependents. Spouses can work legally in the U.S., and children can study at schools and universities.

Does EB-2 NIW lead to U.S. citizenship?

Yes. After holding a Green Card for 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen), you can apply for naturalization and receive a U.S. passport.

What are the success rates for EB-2 NIW?

Approval rates are generally high when cases are well-prepared with strong evidence. Using expert guidance and a structured petition significantly improves the chance of success.

Have more questions?

Talk to Global Mobility Expert

Book a Call

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