Enabling the world's best talent to build the future in America.
Your evidence is organized, your petition is prepared, and your entire green card application is handled from start to finish.
Eligibility assessment complete
EB-2 NIW may be a strong fit
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forInnovators
Do you advance technology, science, or research?
forCreators
Do you shape culture through art, design, or performance?
forLeaders
Have you built companies, led teams, or driven change?
forProfessionals
Are you a recognized expert in your field?
Evaluate
Answer a few questions about your background. We assess your profile and help identify which pathway may be the strongest fit: EB-1A, EB-2 NIW, or both. Free.
Collect
Upload your documents, evidence, and achievements. We organize everything into the right categories automatically.
Build
Your petition is prepared and all supporting materials are organized based on your evidence and chosen pathway.
Review
You review everything, give feedback, and request changes. Nothing moves forward without your approval.
Submit
Your final package is assembled for filing with USCIS. Track your case status in real time.
EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver)
For professionals whose work serves the national interest.
Requirements
- Advanced degree (Master’s, PhD, or Bachelor’s + 5 years experience) or exceptional ability
- A proposed endeavor with substantial merit and national importance
- No employer sponsor, no labor certification, no job offer needed
- +Other qualifying criteria may apply
Ideal for
- Engineers working in AI, semiconductors, clean energy, or national security
- Scientists contributing to public health, climate, or emerging technologies
- Entrepreneurs building companies that create American jobs
- Professionals with specialized expertise in critical shortage areas
- +And other professionals in related fields
Speed
Your petition can be submission-ready in weeks, not months, thanks to streamlined processing and real-time tracking with no unnecessary bottlenecks.
Clarity
Every step is explained in plain language with no legal jargon or back-and-forth confusion, and every update is delivered to you as it happens.
Cost
Premium service at a fraction of traditional costs, starting with a free eligibility check and transparent pricing with no surprise fees.
Immigration Guides
Clear, accurate guidance for green card applicants.
What Is EB-2 NIW? A Complete Guide
The EB-2 National Interest Waiver allows qualified foreign nationals to obtain permanent residence without employer...
Read guide
EB-2 NIW Requirements: Eligibility Checklist for 2026
Understanding EB-2 NIW eligibility requires mastering two sets of requirements: the underlying EB-2 qualification and...
Read guide
EB-1A Criteria Explained: The Extraordinary Ability Green Card
The EB-1A category is reserved for foreign nationals at the very top of their fields through sustained national or...
Read guideQuestions you might have.
Both are employment-based green card categories that let you self-petition without employer sponsorship. EB-1A is for individuals with extraordinary ability (top-of-field recognition, meeting 3 of 10 USCIS criteria). EB-2 NIW is for professionals whose work serves the national interest under the Dhanasar framework. Many applicants qualify for both and file simultaneously.
No. Both EB-2 NIW and EB-1A allow you to self-petition, meaning no employer sponsor, no labor certification, and no job offer is required. You can file independently while on any valid visa status.
Not necessarily. For EB-2 NIW, you need an advanced degree (master’s or higher) OR a bachelor’s plus five years of progressive experience. Publications help but are not required. Patents, industry impact, open-source contributions, and other evidence of expertise can be equally strong.
Yes. You can file for EB-2 NIW or EB-1A while on H-1B, L-1, O-1, F-1 OPT, or any other valid status. You do not need to notify your employer since you are self-petitioning. Your current visa status is maintained throughout the process.
Yes, and many applicants do. Filing both is a common strategy that maximizes your chances. EB-1A has no visa backlog while EB-2 NIW may have wait times depending on your country of birth. The same evidence can often support both petitions.
Most petitions are submission-ready in 3–6 weeks with BaseLeaf. After filing, USCIS processing takes 6–18 months on average. Premium processing ($2,805) is available for both categories and guarantees an initial response within 15 business days.
BaseLeaf is a fraction of the cost of traditional immigration attorneys, who typically charge $10,000–15,000+. Your free eligibility evaluation will include transparent pricing details. USCIS filing fees are separate (currently $715 for I-140, plus optional $2,805 for premium processing).
A Request for Evidence (RFE) is not a denial. It’s a chance to strengthen your case. Most RFEs are resolved successfully with additional documentation. If a petition is denied, you can file a motion to reopen, appeal, or submit a new petition with stronger evidence. BaseLeaf helps you build a strong case from the start to minimize this risk.
Recommendation letters are written by experts who can speak to the significance of your work. USCIS expects 3–6 strong letters for most petitions. The best letters come from a mix of people who have worked with you directly and independent experts who can objectively validate your contributions to the field.
EB-2 visa backlogs primarily affect applicants born in India and mainland China. Current wait times can be several years for these countries. This is why many applicants also file EB-1A simultaneously. EB-1A is current worldwide with no backlog, providing a faster path to a green card regardless of country of birth.
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