xiry.

Lifestyle · Tip

EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW)

US green card pathway allowing self-petition without employer sponsorship

From the Xiry library · Updated 3 October 2026

The EB-2 National Interest Waiver is an employment-based immigrant visa category that allows qualified professionals to self-petition for a US Green Card. It waives the usual requirement of a job offer and labor certification (PERM) if the applicant's work has substantial merit and national importance. It provides a direct path to permanent residency for the applicant, their spouse, and unmarried children under 21.

How it works

Key eligibility and requirements for the EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW):

  • Education: Bachelor's degree plus 5 years of progressive post-degree work experience in the specialty, or an advanced degree (Master's or higher).
  • Self-petition: Does not require a job offer or labor certification (PERM) from a US employer.
  • Evidence required: Higher education diplomas, professional certificates, letters of recommendation from colleagues/industry experts, and proof of professional achievements or awards.
  • Scope: Covers the primary applicant as well as their spouse and unmarried children under 21.
  • Allocation: EB-2 green cards come out of the annual worldwide employment-based immigration cap (approximately 40,000 visas allocated per year to the EB-2 category).

What it's for

  • Apply for US permanent residency without needing an employer sponsor
  • Bypass the lengthy PERM labor certification process
  • Secure Green Cards for a spouse and unmarried children under 21

Key points

  • Requires an advanced degree (Master's or higher) or a Bachelor's degree plus 5 years of progressive experience
  • Allows self-petitioning without an existing US job offer or employer sponsor
  • Bypasses the Department of Labor PERM certification requirement
  • Requires documentary evidence such as recommendation letters, awards, and proof of professional impact
  • Extends green card eligibility to immediate family members
  • Draws from the annual worldwide EB-2 visa cap of approximately 40,000 visas

Pricing

Paid. USCIS filing fees apply (Form I-140 and associated adjustment of status/consular processing fees)

Details

Type
Tip
Category
Lifestyle
Topic
Immigration
Open source
No
Platforms
other
For
Advanced degree holders, researchers, and specialized professionals seeking US permanent residency independently
Alternative to
EB-1A Visa, Standard EB-2 Visa, H-1B Visa, O-1 Visa
Tags
immigration, green card, visa, eb2 niw, us residency

Why it was saved

  • @nurziya_talgatovna, 17 December 2025: Enables educated individuals and their families to obtain permanent residency in the US independently without relying on an employer or job offer.

Related

Updated