Advantages of the EB-2 National Interest Waiver
Long-term Solution
The EB-2 NIW puts you on a path to obtaining permanent residency through a green card. Permanent residency enables you to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely.
Flexible criteria
Favorable towards individuals with advanced degrees, progressive work experience, or past accomplishments. Self-petition is an option in some cases.
H-1B Benefits
EB-2 approval grants individuals on H1-B status an extension. If your spouse is on H-4, an EB-2 approval can be used to apply for your spouse's H-4 work authorization.
Faster Approvals with Premium Processing
The government offers premium processing for EB-2 NIWs, so your application can be approved in 45 days or less.
Qualify for Step 1 with Advanced Degree or Exceptional Ability
Advanced Degree
A U.S. Master's degree or higher or a foreign degree equivalent to a U.S. Master's degree.
Bachelor's degree plus five years of post-Bachelor's degree progressive experience
Exceptional Ability
Meet three of the following six criteria
A related degree, diploma, or certificate from a university
10 years of related full-time experience
a license of certification to practice relevant professional
Salary that is above the 70th percentile
Membership in a professional association
Strong letters of reference from your peers
You must also pass a 3-part National Interest Waiver test to qualify for Step 2
National Importance and Substantial Merit
Will your work create jobs, transform an industry or have an impact on the national economy, or technology? Example: a recent PhD graduate who is doing life-saving cancer research in an emerging are of science.
You Are Well Positioned to Succeed
Demonstrate past success and future plans. Do you have patents, investors, or awards? Do you have a business plan? Example: A startup founder who received funding and is a member of an accelerator to grow their business.
As a Whole, Beneficial for U.S. to Waive PERM
Is the work time sensitive, do you play a critical role, or would progress slow without your presence in the U.S.? Example: A critical employee at a biotech company developing early detection COVID-19 tests.
Self-Petition for a Green Card
Legalpad can help you determine eligibility and the best option based on your goals and unique credentials.
Get StartedCustomer Testimonials
Hear directly from clients who received their EB-2 NIW approvals with Legalpad
"I almost fell off my chair finding out my EB-2 NIW was approved! First my O-1A, now this! Legalpad is literally the best legal tech company for startups in the U.S." David Obasiolu
Chow420
"I almost fell off my chair finding out my EB-2 NIW was approved! First my O-1A, now this! Legalpad is literally the best legal tech company for startups in the U.S." EnjoyHQ (Acquired by UserZoom)
"Legalpad has made my immigration journey incredibly easy and stress-free. Moving your business to the United States is challenging and it can be especially overwhelming when you have to figure out how the immigration process works from scratch. Legalpad has all the qualities of an agile and modern startup and the expertise and talent of a large firm. I had my O-1 and later my EB-2 visas approved with no issues and Legalpad did all the heavy lifting. Highly recommended." TreBiome Inc.
"I had a great experience working with Legalpad! The Legalpad team was very professional, supportive, and a joy to work with. I would highly recommend Legalpad to any entrepreneur who is looking into getting a U.S. EB-2 NIW visa!" 
