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 relying on a job offer from an American employer, the EB-2 NIW Visa (National Interest Waiver) might be the perfect option for you.
In this article, we will present the requirements and benefits of this visa and how D4U Immigration can help you achieve your goal of obtaining a green card and permanent residence in the United States.
Keep reading to understand everything about the topic!
What is the EB-2 NIW Visa: Understand
The EB-2 NIW Visa is an option Unlike the regular EB-2, the EB-2 NIW does not require an employer or job offer in the United States.
Instead, it is aimed at professionals who have a proven professional and academic track record and who demonstrate that their presence is of significant interest to the country.
What is the Difference between EB-2 NIW and Regular EB-2?
The main difference between the EB-2 NIW and the regular EB-2 is the requirement for a job offer.
While the regular EB-2 requires the applicant to have an employer in the United States willing to sponsor their visa, the EB-2 NIW waives this need, allowing the applicant to apply for the visa based on their own professional merit.
EB-2 NIW Visa: Requirements
It is difficult to specify exact requirements for obtaining the EB-2 NIW visa, as, unlike the EB-1 and EB-2 categories we discussed earlier, it can apply to a much broader range of professionals.
Therefore, there are several different options that make you eligible for an EB-2 NIW visa. See what they are below:
Bachelor’s degree + 5 years’ experience
The EB-2 NIW Visa offers a unique opportunity for professionals with a higher education degree (bachelor’s) 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 on the basis of their exceptional skills and professional merits.
Technical course certificate + 10 years’ experience
For those with a technical course certificate, the EB-2 NIW presents a promising alternative to obtaining the Green Card.
This category requires a minimum of ten years of full-time experience in the occupation they work in.
Over the course of a decade, these professionals have the opportunity to hone their skills and excel in their respective fields.
Academic degree higher than bachelor’s, such as master’s, doctorate and PhD
Professionals with advanced academic degrees, such as master’s, doctorate, and PhD, can also aim for the EB-2 NIW, provided their field of study is directly related to the work they wish to pursue in the USA.
This requirement recognizes the importance of advanced education and promotes the immigration of highly skilled and specialized talent.
Proof of significant recognition in the field:
Finally, in addition to the educational and experience requirements, the EB2-NIW may also require other evidence that demonstrates the candidate’s significant recognition in their field.
Such evidence can include winning prestigious awards, obtaining relevant research grants, publications in high-profile media, participation in exhibitions or art shows, notable 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 EB-2 NIW values the diversity of merits and achievements that enrich the professional community in the United States, so each case is unique, and it is ideal to contact an immigration consultancy.
Also read EB-2 NIW DENIED: KNOW HOW TO PROCEED!
What is the difference between the EB-2 and EB-1 visa?
The EB-2 visa is aimed at professionals with exceptional skills in their field, while the EB-1 is for individuals with extraordinary abilities who have national or international recognition
Both visas are valuable paths to the Green Card, but each has different specific requirements.
Advantages of the EB-2 NIW Visa
The EB-2 NIW visa offers various advantages to applicants, such as the waiver of the need for a job offer or American employer.
Check out the main ones below:
- Job offer waiver: One of the main advantages of EB2-NIW is that it is not necessary to have a job offer from an American employer in order to be eligible, which gives applicants the freedom to pursue work opportunities independently in the United States;
- Green Card: the EB-2 NIW visa leads to the Green Card, allowing the beneficiary to live and work legally in the country indefinitely and also provides access to social services and benefits;
- Professional Flexibility: since the EB-2 NIW visa does not require a specific job offer, beneficiaries have the flexibility to choose their employment and change employers without restrictions;
- Benefits for Family Members: EB-2 NIW beneficiaries can apply for visas for their spouses and unmarried children under 21, allowing the entire family to move to the United States;
- Path to Citizenship: after living in the United States with the Green Card for a period of time, EB-2 NIW beneficiaries may be eligible to apply for American citizenship if they meet all the requirements;
- No Labor Certification Requirement: unlike other work visas, the EB-2 NIW does not require a complex Labor Certification process, where the employer must prove that there are no qualified American workers available to fill the position;
- Faster Approval: the application process for the EB-2 NIW tends to be faster compared to other visa categories, which can result in a more agile immigration process;
- Entrepreneurship Opportunities: the EB-2 NIW can also be an option for entrepreneurs who have compelling evidence that their contributions to the United States are in the national interest, and they do not need a specific sponsor for the visa.
It is important to note that the EB-2 NIW visa application process is complex and requires a detailed evaluation of the candidate’s professional and academic background.
If you have this professional profile and want to obtain permanent residency in the United States, take the eligibility test.
Contact us now for a free assessment of your eligibility for the EB-2 NIW Visa!
With the possibility of waiving a job offer and obtaining the Green Card, the EB-2 NIW offers unique opportunities for career development and establishment in the USA.
