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United States · Permanent residence

EB-2 National Interest Waiver (Green Card)

Processing
Varies by service center
Cost
From $1,015
Validity
Permanent residence

A self-petitioned EB-2 route for work that meets the national interest waiver test.

Requirements

  • Advanced degree OR exceptional ability
  • Proposed endeavor has substantial merit and national importance
  • Well-positioned to advance the endeavor
  • On balance, beneficial to waive job offer requirement

Time and cost

Processing time
The I-140 petition varies by service center; premium processing gives USCIS 45 business days for adjudicative action. Visa availability and the final green-card stage add time
Validity
Permanent residence
Cost

From $1,015

Required

  • $715 Form I-140 petition
  • $300 self-petitioner Asylum Program Fee

Optional

  • $2,965 premium processing
  • Legal fees, if you hire a lawyer, come on top.

Documents

  • Form I-140

    Self-petition

  • EB-2 qualification evidence

    Advanced degree (or bachelor’s plus 5 years) or evidence meeting the exceptional-ability standard

  • Evidence of endeavor

    Business plan, research, impact documentation

  • Expert testimonial letters (if it applies)

    Optional corroborating evidence supporting the national-interest argument

Your family

Status your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can hold alongside this route. Children can study on it too.

Derivative Green CardSpouse can work

Your spouse and eligible children can obtain permanent residence as derivative applicants. Each family member is processed separately and receives full work rights only after becoming a permanent resident.

  • For preference cases, the Child Status Protection Act generally subtracts petition-pending time from the child’s age when a visa becomes available. The child usually must seek permanent residence within one year
  • Derivative applicants adjusting status in the US may generally request an EAD with or after filing Form I-485; consular processing does not provide interim US work authorization

Tips

  • You may petition without an employer sponsor
  • Entrepreneurs, researchers and other professionals may qualify if the proposed work meets all three waiver prongs
  • Document the proposed work, your record and its wider US importance