EB-2 and EB-2 NIW – a U.S. Green Card for Professionals
The EB-2 immigration category is designed for professionals with advanced degrees or individuals with exceptional abilities in science, business, medicine, IT, and other fields. The EB-2 NIW subcategory allows applicants to obtain a Green Card without a job offer or labor certification if their work is in the national interest of the United States. We support the entire process – from profile evaluation and strategy development to petition filing and obtaining immigration status.
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What is the EB-2 visa and who is it for?
The U.S. EB-2 visa is an immigrant category that allows highly qualified specialists to obtain an EB-2 Green Card. The main step is filing Form I-140, after which the process continues through I-485 (if you are in the U.S.) or DS-260 (if you are outside the U.S.). For a standard EB-2 case, PERM labor certification is often required. However, the EB-2 NIW visa can be processed as immigration to the United States without an employer if your work meets the EB-2 NIW criteria, meaning it is in the national interest of the United States.
Who qualifies for EB-2:
Main Requirements for EB-2 and EB-2 NIW Visas
To obtain an EB-2 Green Card, the applicant must meet the requirements of the EB-2 U.S. visa category and prepare supporting evidence for the EB-2 I-140 petition. The requirements differ depending on whether you are applying through a standard EB-2 case with an employer or through an EB-2 NIW visa (a path for those seeking immigration to the United States without an employer).
Key EB-2 Requirements:
Suitable for those who meet the EB-2 advanced degree criteria and can prove their qualifications with a diploma and professional experience.
If applying under EB-2 exceptional ability, you must demonstrate a level of expertise above the average – through achievements, projects, awards, or a strong professional record.
In the classic route, a Green Card for U.S. professionals is often processed through an employer and requires PERM labor certification – proof that the position is genuinely needed.
EB-2 NIW requirements include demonstrating why your work is important to the United States and meets the national interest standard.
The I-140 petition is the key document that initiates the process and confirms your eligibility for immigration under the EB-2 category.
After I-140 approval, Form I-485 is filed (if you are in the U.S.) or Form DS-260 (if you are applying through a consulate outside the United States).
Your spouse and children may be included in the case if you are applying for the EB-2 visa as the principal applicant.
How to Apply for EB-2 and EB-2 NIW: Step-by-Step Process
Applying for an EB-2 visa is a structured but multi-step process. It is important not only to meet the category criteria but also to properly prepare evidence for the I-140 petition. The EB-2 NIW visa also allows you to pursue immigration to the United States without an employer if your work falls under the national interest of the United States.
A well-developed strategy and the correct sequence of steps help you navigate the EB-2 process smoothly – from preparing evidence to obtaining a Green Card. For the classic EB-2 route, PERM may be required, while the EB-2 NIW visa allows immigration to the United States without an employer if you convincingly demonstrate national interest. The key document in both cases is the I-140 petition, and the final stage proceeds through I-485 or DS-260.
Main Forms and Applications for EB-2 and EB-2 NIW
The EB-2 U.S. visa process begins with preparing evidence and properly filing the main immigration forms. The central document is the I-140 petition – it confirms that you meet the advanced degree or exceptional ability criteria. When applying for the EB-2 NIW visa, you must additionally demonstrate that your work meets the national interest standard and allows immigration to the United States without an employer.
Properly completed forms and logically structured evidence form the foundation of a successful EB-2 case. Depending on your situation, the process proceeds through I-485 or DS-260, and for EB-2 NIW cases, demonstrating national interest and preparing a strong I-140 petition package are crucial.
EB-2 NIW – Immigration to the United States Without a Job Offer
The EB-2 visa is one of the most logical ways to obtain an EB-2 Green Card for individuals with a strong professional background, experience, and proven qualifications. This category is suitable for those who meet the advanced degree or exceptional ability criteria and are ready to document their eligibility as part of the I-140 petition process.
A separate subcategory – EB-2 NIW – offers the advantage of pursuing immigration to the United States without an employer. In this case, it is essential to clearly demonstrate why your work serves the national interest and has value for the United States.
What EB-2 / EB-2 NIW Provides in Practice:
The EB-2 category provides professionals with the opportunity to obtain a Green Card and establish permanent residence in the United States.
The process is built around the I-140 petition, where the key factors are meeting the requirements and presenting strong supporting evidence.
The EB-2 NIW visa is suitable for those who wish to relocate through immigration to the United States without an employer by demonstrating national interest.
Why Professional Immigration Legal Support Matters
Applying for an EB-2 visa in the United States is not just about filling out forms – it is about building a structured case where it is crucial to prove your qualifications and eligibility. USCIS does not evaluate a “general impression” but specific criteria: whether the applicant meets the advanced degree or exceptional ability standard, how logically the documents are organized, and how convincingly the professional value is presented.
When it comes to the EB-2 NIW visa, the task becomes more complex: you must not only confirm your qualifications but also clearly demonstrate that your work in the country aligns with the national interest of the United States. Errors in argumentation, weak evidence, or poor case structure often lead to requests for additional documents and delays, even when the applicant has strong credentials.
Professional legal support helps structure the evidence so that the I-140 petition appears coherent, logical, and aligned with current adjudication practice.
We will:
With us, it is easier to complete the entire EB-2 Green Card journey – from choosing the right strategy to filing through I-485 or DS-260, including cases involving immigration to the United States without an employer under the EB-2 NIW visa.
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ReLocate is a team of immigration lawyers and attorneys. For more than 14 years, we have supported clients on immigration matters and helped with complex visa applications. We specialize in immigration law, passport and visa regulations, and border procedures.
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Our Service Fees
The exact cost depends on the complexity of your situation.
* payment for our services can be split into several staged payments and made during the process in small monthly installments
Official Fees
| USCIS I-140 Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers | 715 usd |
| USCIS I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status | 1440 usd |
| *For a child under 14, if filing Form I-485 at the same time as a parent’s Form I-485 | 950 usd |
| Immigrant Visa Application Fee for EB-2 (DS-260) | 345 usd |
| Small Employer or self-petitioner (if the employer has fewer than 25 employees on staff) | 300 usd |
| Regular Petitioner (if the employer has more than 25 employees on staff) | 600 usd |
| Sponsorship fee | 120 usd |
| Medical examination (the exact cost depends on your age and the country where you complete the exam) | 200 usd |
| Form I-907 Premium Processing Service (if needed) | 2805 usd |
* Although PERM certification is free, the employer must have a budget to cover any legal costs and additional payments associated with the recruitment process.
Why our services are not an expense, but an investment
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