Official Guide for 2025
Link to Full Guide: EB-2 NIW Complete Guide
1. USCIS Forms
- Form I-140 – Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker
- Filing Fee – $715 (check, money order, or Form G-1450 for credit card payment)
- Form ETA-9089 (if applicable) – Not required for NIW but needed if labor certification was previously obtained
2. Personal & Identification Documents
- Passport Bio Page – Copy of valid passport
- U.S. Visa & I-94 Arrival Record – If currently in the U.S.
- Birth Certificate – Optional but recommended
- Form I-797 Approval Notice – If you have previous USCIS approvals (e.g., H-1B, F-1 OPT, TN visa, etc.)
3. Evidence of Advanced Degree or Exceptional Ability
- Degree Certificates & Transcripts – Master’s, Ph.D., or foreign equivalent
- Foreign Degree Equivalency (if applicable) – Evaluation from a credential evaluation service
- Professional Licenses or Certifications – Pharmacy, engineering, IT, medical, legal, or other relevant fields
- Work Experience Letters – From past employers verifying job titles, roles, responsibilities, and expertise
- Professional Memberships & Affiliations – Membership in industry-specific organizations
4. Evidence of National Interest & Work Contribution
- Personal Statement (NIW Petition Letter) – Explaining contributions, field of work, and U.S. benefit
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs) – Usually 3-5 letters from experts, employers, or colleagues
- Published Research & Citations – If applicable, copies of journal articles, Google Scholar citation report
- Media Coverage & Awards – News articles, industry awards, or public recognition
- Patents or Innovations – If applicable, patent approvals and usage impact
- Grants & Funding – If research or project funding was received
- Contracts, MOUs, or Letters of Intent – If working with U.S. organizations, companies, or government agencies
5. Business & Employment Evidence (if applicable)
- Job Offer (Optional) – Not required, but useful if related to the NIW field
- Business Plan (if entrepreneur/self-employed) – Must show how the business benefits the U.S. economy, creates jobs, or contributes to innovation
- Financial Statements & Investments – Evidence of business ownership, revenue, or assets
6. Public & Community Service (If Applicable)
- Volunteer or Nonprofit Work – Proof of community contributions related to field
- Policy Contributions – Reports, whitepapers, or regulatory input provided
7. Adjustment of Status (If Applying Inside the U.S.)
- Form I-485 – Adjustment of Status (if visa is current in the Visa Bulletin)
- Form I-765 – Employment Authorization (Optional)
- Form I-131 – Travel Document (Optional)
- Medical Exam (Form I-693) – Required for Green Card processing
8. Translations & Supporting Documents
- Certified Translations – Any document not in English must have a certified translation
- Proof of Payment for Filing Fees – Receipts or confirmations for I-140 and I-485
9. Additional Considerations
- Premium Processing (Optional) – USCIS allows Premium Processing for EB-2 NIW, reducing processing time to 45 days for a $2,805 fee
- Visa Bulletin Check – Ensure priority dates are current before filing I-485
- Consultation with an Immigration Expert – To strengthen case with additional recommendations
Need Assistance?
If you need help with your NIW petition letter, business plan, or application strategy, feel free to reach out.
For a detailed step-by-step guide, visit:
EB-2 NIW Complete Guide.
