EB2-NIW visa requirements: find out what they are and how to get them

If you have a bachelor's degree and more than 5 years of experience or if you have a technical course and more than 10 years of experience, you are considered a highly qualified professional in the USA. If you want to immigrate to the United States without depending on a job offer from an American employer, the EB2-NIW (National Interest Waiver) Visa may be the perfect option for you.

In this article, we will introduce you to the requirements and benefits of this visa and how D4U Immigration can help you achieve your goal of obtaining a Green Card and permanent residency in the United States.

Read on to find out everything about it!

What is the EB2-NIW Visa: Understand

O EB2-NIW visa, is an option Unlike the regular EB-2, the EB2-NIW does not require an employer or job offer in the United States.

Instead, it is aimed at professionals who have proven relevant professional and academic backgrounds and who demonstrate that their presence is of significant interest to the country.

What is the difference between EB2-NIW and EB2-regular?

The main difference between EB2-NIW and regular EB2 is the requirement for a job offer.

While the regular EB2 requires the applicant to have a US employer willing to sponsor their visa, the EB2-NIW waives this requirement, allowing the applicant to apply for the visa based on their own professional merit.

What is the difference between the EB-2 visa and the EB-1 visa?

The EB-2 visa is intended for professionals with exceptional skills in their area of expertise, while the EB-1 is aimed at individuals with extraordinary abilities who enjoy national or international recognition

Both visas are valuable paths to green card, but each has different specific requirements.

Advantages of the EB2-NIW Visa

The EB2-NIW visa offers applicants several advantages, such as the waiver of the need for an American job offer or employer. 

Check out the main ones below:

  • Job offer waiver: one of the main advantages of the EB2-NIW is that you do not need to have a job offer from a US employer to be eligible, which gives candidates the freedom to independently pursue job opportunities in the US;
  • Green Card: the EB2-NIW visa leads to the Green Card, which allows the beneficiary to legally live and work in the country indefinitely and also gives access to social services and benefits;
  • Professional flexibility: as the EB2-NIW visa does not require a specific job offer, beneficiaries have the flexibility to choose their job and change employers without restrictions;
  • Benefits for family members: EB2-NIW recipients can apply for a visa for their spouse and unmarried children under 21, allowing the entire family to move to the United States;
  • Path to citizenship: after living in the US on a Green Card for a period of time, EB2-NIW recipients may be eligible to apply for US citizenship if they meet all the requirements;
  • There is no requirement for Labor Certification: unlike other work visas, the EB2-NIW does not require a complex Labor Certification process, which is a process by which the employer must prove that there are no qualified US workers available to fill the vacancy;
  • Faster Approval: The EB2-NIW application process tends to be faster compared to other visa categories, which may result in a more streamlined immigration process;
  • Entrepreneurship Opportunities: The EB2-NIW may also be an option for entrepreneurs who have compelling evidence that their contributions to the United States are in the national interest and do not need a specific visa sponsor.

It is important to note that the EB2-NIW visa application process is complex and requires a detailed assessment of the applicant's professional and academic background.

Therefore, it is recommended to rely on the assistance of a company specializing in immigration, such as D4U Immigration, to ensure that all requirements are met and the process is conducted properly.

See also: how it works US investor visa

EB2-NIW visa: requirements

It is difficult to elect specific requirements to obtain the EB2-NIW visa, because, unlike the EB1 and EB2 categories, which we saw earlier, it can be applied to a much wider range of professionals.

As such, there are a few different options that make you eligible for an EB2-NIW visa. See what they are below:

Higher Graduate Diploma (Bachelor's Degree) + 5 years of experience

The EB2-NIW Visa offers a unique opportunity for professionals with a higher undergraduate degree (bachelor's degree) and at least five years of proven experience in their field.

This requirement is especially relevant for individuals who wish to migrate to the United States based on their exceptional skills and professional merits.

Technical course certificate + 10 years of experience

For those holding a technical course certificate, the EB2-NIW presents a promising alternative to obtaining a Green Card.

This modality requires a minimum of ten years of full-time experience in the occupation in which they work.

These professionals, over a decade, have the opportunity to improve their skills and excel in their respective areas.

Academic degree higher than a bachelor's degree, such as a master's, doctorate, and PhD

eb2-niw PHD visa requirements

Professionals with advanced academic degrees, such as master's, doctoral and PhD, can also pursue the EB2-NIW, as long as their field of study is directly related to the work they wish to do in the US.

This requirement recognizes the importance of advanced education and promotes the immigration of highly skilled and specialized talent.

Proof of significant recognition in the area of expertise:

Finally, in addition to educational and experience requirements, the EB2-NIW may also require other evidence that demonstrates the candidate's significant recognition in their field of expertise.

Such evidence may include winning prestigious awards, obtaining relevant research grants, publications in major media, participation in exhibitions or artistic shows, outstanding scientific or academic contributions, outstanding athletic achievements and professional recognition by relevant bodies.

In addition, documents proving the candidate's essential or leadership role in organizations related to their field can also strengthen their eligibility.

Remember: the EB2-NIW values the diversity of merits and achievements that enrich the professional community in the United States, therefore, each case is unique and the ideal is for you to contact an immigration advisor.

Read too EB2-NIW DENIED: KNOW HOW TO PROCEED!

Get the EB2-NIW Visa with D4U Immigration!

D4U Immigration specializes in helping highly qualified professionals obtain the EB2-NIW Visa and obtain a Green Card in the United States.

Our differentiators include:

  • Offices in Brazil and USA: with our presence in multiple countries, we offer comprehensive support to meet our customers' needs;
  • Reapplication at no extra cost: if your visa is denied, we help you prepare to reapply at no additional cost;
  • D4U app for iOS and Android: stay up to date on the status of your visa process with our dedicated app;
  • Retired Director of USCIS as a Consultant: we rely on the experience of a former USCIS employee to provide valuable insights to your case;
  • 99% Pass Rating: our highly qualified and experienced team has an impressive track record of visa approval;
  • More than 7,000 beneficiaries: We have already helped thousands of professionals achieve their dream of living and work in the United States;
  • An expert for each step: at D4U Immigration, you will have a dedicated expert at every step of the visa process.

If you have this professional profile and wish to obtain permanent residency in the United States, count on D4U Immigration to help you achieve this goal.

Contact us now for a free review of your EB2-NIW Visa eligibility!

Conclusion

The EB2-NIW visa is an excellent option for professionals with solid academic and professional backgrounds who wish to immigrate to the United States.

With the possibility of waiving a job offer and obtaining a Green Card, the EB2-NIW offers unique opportunities for career development and establishment in the US.

If you meet the eligibility criteria, count on D4U Immigration to help you through the entire process and make your dream of living and working in the United States a reality.

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