EB-2 and EB-2 NIW – a U.S. green card for professionals
The EB-2 immigration category is designed for professionals with an advanced degree 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 serves the national interest of the United States. We support the process from profile assessment and strategy to petition filing and obtaining immigration status.
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What is the EB-2 visa and who is it for
The EB-2 U.S. visa is an immigration category that allows highly qualified professionals to obtain an EB-2 green card. The key stage is filing the I-140 EB-2 petition, 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.). The standard EB-2 often requires PERM labor certification, while the EB-2 NIW visa can be pursued as immigration to the U.S. without an employer if your work meets the EB-2 NIW national interest criterion.
Who EB-2 is suitable for:
Key requirements for the EB-2 and EB-2 NIW visas
To obtain an EB-2 green card, the applicant must meet the conditions of the EB-2 U.S. visa category and prepare evidence for the I-140 EB-2 petition. Requirements differ depending on whether it is a standard employer-sponsored EB-2 or an EB-2 NIW visa (a path for those who seek immigration to the U.S. without an employer).
Key conditions for EB-2:
Suitable for those who meet the EB-2 advanced degree criterion and can confirm qualifications with a diploma and work experience.
If you apply under EB-2 exceptional ability, you must demonstrate above-average ability through achievements, projects, awards, or a strong professional track record.
In the classic option, a U.S. green card for professionals is often obtained through an employer and requires PERM confirmation that the position is genuinely needed.
EB-2 NIW requirements include justification of why your work is important for the United States and meets the EB-2 NIW national interest criterion.
The I-140 EB-2 petition is the core document that initiates the process and confirms your eligibility for immigration under the EB-2 category.
After I-140 approval, I-485 is filed (if you are in the U.S.) or DS-260 (if you proceed through a U.S. consulate abroad).
The spouse and children may be included in the case if you apply as the principal applicant under the U.S. professionals visa category.
How to apply for the EB-2 and EB-2 NIW visas: a step-by-step process
Applying for an EB-2 U.S. visa is a clear but multi-stage process. It is important not only to meet the category criteria but also to properly compile evidence for the I-140 EB-2 petition. At the same time, the EB-2 NIW visa allows you to pursue the path as immigration to the U.S. without an employer if your work falls under the EB-2 NIW national interest.
A sound strategy and the correct sequence of steps help you complete the EB-2 U.S. visa process smoothly – from preparing evidence to obtaining an EB-2 green card. The classic EB-2 may require PERM, while the EB-2 NIW visa allows immigration to the U.S. without an employer if you convincingly demonstrate the U.S. national interest. The key document in both options is the I-140 EB-2 petition, and the final stage proceeds through I-485 or DS-260.
Key forms and applications for the EB-2 and EB-2 NIW visas
The EB-2 U.S. visa process begins with preparing evidence and correctly filing the main immigration forms. The central document is the I-140 EB-2 petition, which confirms that you qualify under the EB-2 advanced degree or EB-2 exceptional ability category. When applying for the EB-2 NIW visa, you must additionally demonstrate that your work meets the EB-2 NIW national interest criterion and allows immigration to the U.S. without an employer.
Properly completed forms and logically organized evidence are the foundation of a successful EB-2 U.S. visa case. Depending on the situation, the process proceeds through I-485 or DS-260, and for the EB-2 NIW visa, the justification of national interest and a strong I-140 EB-2 petition are critical.
EB-2 NIW – immigration to the U.S. without a job offer
The EB-2 U.S. visa is one of the most logical ways to obtain an EB-2 green card for professionals with a strong background, experience, and confirmed qualifications. This category is suitable for those who meet the EB-2 advanced degree or EB-2 exceptional ability criteria and are ready to confirm this with documents as part of the I-140 EB-2 petition.
A separate advantage is the EB-2 NIW visa, which allows applicants to go through the process as immigration to the U.S. without an employer. In this case, it is important to properly demonstrate why your work meets the EB-2 NIW criterion of national interest and truly provides value to the United States.
What EB-2 / EB-2 NIW offers in practice:
The EB-2 category makes it possible to obtain a U.S. green card for professionals and establish permanent residence in the country.
The process is built around the I-140 EB-2 petition, where meeting the requirements and a strong evidence base are key.
The EB-2 NIW visa is suitable for those who want to pursue relocation as immigration to the U.S. without an employer by substantiating the U.S. national interest.
Why immigration attorney support matters
Applying for an EB-2 U.S. visa is not just about filling out forms, but about building a well-structured case where it is essential to prove your level of expertise and eligibility for the category. USCIS does not assess a “general impression,” but specific criteria: whether the applicant meets the EB-2 advanced degree or EB-2 exceptional ability standards, how logically the documents are compiled, and how convincingly professional value is demonstrated.
When it comes to the EB-2 NIW visa, the task becomes even more nuanced: it is necessary not only to confirm qualifications, but also to competently demonstrate the EB-2 NIW national interest. Errors in argumentation, weak evidence, or an incorrect case structure often lead to requests for additional evidence and delay the process, even when the applicant has strong credentials.
Professional support helps compile evidence so that the I-140 EB-2 petition appears cohesive, logical, and aligned with real adjudication practice.
We will:
With us, it is easier to go through the entire path to an EB-2 green card – from choosing the right strategy to filing through I-485 or DS-260, including cases that require immigration to the U.S. without an employer through the EB-2 NIW visa.
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