Who Can Apply for an EB2/NIW Green Card Visa?
Who Can Apply for an EB2/NIW Green Card Visa?
FRONT MARCH 21, 2025 / IN BLOGS , EB2-NATIONAL INTEREST WAIVER , TR
Ergül Çeliksoy, Immigration Lawyer, CK Law Firm
The EB2/NIW green card visa is an immigrant visa designed for individuals who can make significant contributions to the United States. This visa, which grants permanent residency without requiring employer sponsorship, is particularly suitable for professionals in science, technology, engineering, medicine, and business.
If you are interested in obtaining a Green Card in the United States and are considering applying for the EB2 NIW visa but are unsure which visa is best for you, I recommend reading this article until the end.
Main Topics
- EB2/NIW Visa Eligibility Criteria
- Documents Required for Application
- Application Process Steps
- Highlights of the EB2/NIW Visa
- Why Choose the EB2/NIW Visa?
If you have any further questions or would like more information, please contact us through our website. For personal questions, connect with me on LinkedIn. Enjoy!
EB2/NIW Green Card Visa Eligibility Criteria
To apply for an EB2/NIW visa, you must meet at least one of the following criteria:
1. Education and Academic Background
- Undergraduate and Above Education: To have at least a master's degree.
- Alternative Path (Undergraduate Degree + Experience): In addition to a bachelor's degree, you must have at least 5 years of specialized work experience.
- Academic Publications: Having articles published in refereed journals.
2. Professional Experience and Area of Expertise
- Contribution to the US Economy or Scientific Infrastructure: Your work must be at a level that will provide national interest to the US.
- Innovation and Technological Contributions: Having developed new technologies or having a patent.
- Global or National Awards: Having won prestigious awards in your field.
3. National Interest Reason for the United States
- Your work must be in an area critical to the United States (e.g., healthcare, energy, education, artificial intelligence, etc.).
- Working in an industry that exists in the US but has a skilled labor shortage.
Documents Required for Application
Various official documents must be submitted for the application to be accepted:
| Required Document | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Diplomas and Transcripts | A minimum of a bachelor's or master's degree is required. |
| Proof of Work Experience | Documents showing a minimum of 5 years of experience. |
| Reference Letters | Supportive letters from experts in your field. |
| Publications and Patents | Academic publications, articles, books or patent documents. |
| Professional Certificates | Documents demonstrating your competence in your field. |
| Awards and Certificates of Appreciation | Documents supporting your professional achievements. |
| Projects and Contributions | Details of your projects that will contribute to the national interest of the United States. |
Professional Groups That Can Apply
1. Professionals in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
- Software engineers
- Data scientists and AI experts
- Robotics and automation engineers
- Biotechnology and genetic engineers
- Energy and environmental science researchers
2. Experts in the Health and Medical Sector
- Doctors and surgeons
- Clinical researchers
- Public health experts
- Nurses and healthcare technicians
3. People in the Business World and Entrepreneurship Field
- Startup founders
- Business development experts
- Financial and investment advisors
4. Those Working in the Arts, Culture and Creative Industries
- Filmmakers
- Musicians and composers
- Art directors
- Fashion designers
5. Aviation and Space Industry Professionals
- Pilots and flight instructors
- Space researchers
- Satellite engineers
6. Professionals in Law, Education and Social Sciences
- Academics and researchers
- Legal experts
- Educational technology developers
EB2/NIW Green Card Visa Application Process Steps
1. Preliminary Assessment
- Analyze whether you meet the application criteria.
- Compile your current academic and professional achievements.
- Identify your contributions to the national interest of the United States.
2. Collection of Documents
- Prepare your diplomas, work experience documents, awards and certificates.
- Get letters of reference from experts in your field.
- Create a detailed portfolio of your publications and projects.
3. Submission of Application
- Start the application process with Form I-140.
- Follow current guidelines from USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services).
- Speed up the process by getting legal support when necessary.
4. Results and Green Card Retrieval
- Wait for the evaluation result from USCIS.
- Once you receive approval, complete any additional steps for the immigrant visa.
- Enter the US and obtain your permanent residence permit.
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Highlights of the EB2/NIW Visa
- You can apply without employer sponsorship.
- It offers the opportunity to obtain permanent residence permit (Green Card) in the USA.
- The process is more flexible than other immigrant visas.
- You can get visa approval by proving your expertise in your field.
- Your spouse and children under the age of 21 can also get a Green Card.
Why Choose the EB2/NIW Visa?
- Employer independence: Freedom to change jobs or start your own business in the US.
- Faster processing: Faster processing time compared to the standard EB-2 visa.
- Prestige: You prove your expertise in your field.
- Career opportunities: Provides access to wider job opportunities in the USA.
The EB2/NIW green card visa is an advantageous immigration opportunity, particularly for individuals specializing in science, engineering, technology, medicine, and business. If you want to work and live permanently in the US, you can begin the application process by carefully evaluating your criteria.
For more information, please contact us through our official website. You can also connect with me on LinkedIn if you have any questions.
Note: Before applying, it's important to prepare a portfolio detailing your contributions to your field. You can strengthen your application with data and references that support your national interest rationale.