EB-2 NIW GREEN CARD · NATIONAL INTEREST WAIVER
Be more flexible. Have less time pressure. Don’t be controlled by your employer. Get a green card faster. The EB-2 NIW is a fast-track for those whose work is of national importance.
Almost everything in your career responds to effort and impact, but not immigration.
H-1B and the green card lottery are defaults — what your employer files, what your classmates did. They work off a standardized lottery for everyone, and do not consider how much value an individual can actually provide to America.
The EB-2 NIW green card is faster to process, self-petitioned so that you have freedom of employment, and does not have limits or lotteries. For individuals who qualify, it can often be a better option for achieving residency.
The EB-2 NIW Green Card is awarded based on positioning and your accomplishments, not luck
Known as the premium green card for individuals whose work is of national importance, the EB-2 NIW is ideal for professionals at the top of their fields whose work has an impact.
Instead of a lottery, it’s granted on evidence: proof that you’re among the best at what you do, and that your work benefits the US. It is fully self-petitioned, meaning no job offer or employer sponsorship is required to file the Green Card petition.
You don’t need to be famous to qualify
The real question isn’t “Am I extraordinary enough?” It’s “Which of the things I’ve already done give me the leverage to take control?”
THE EB-2 NIW HAS BEEN APPROVED FOR
Researchers & scientists in healthcare, technology, or energy
Entrepreneurs & founders building businesses that serve national priorities
Public health & policy professionals whose work impacts communities across the US
Engineers & professionals tackling critical infrastructure, sustainability, or education challenges
Qualifying is less random and more achievable than you may think
To qualify for the EB-2 NIW, you must first meet EB-2 eligibility and then prove that your work meets the National Interest Waiver standard.
You may already satisfy more of this than you expect. The main thing you need is to explain your work to USCIS in a way that makes it difficult for them to deny your application.
STEP 1
EB-2 eligibility — meet one of these two paths
1
Hold an advanced degree
A master’s, PhD, or a bachelor’s plus five years of progressive experience in your field.
OR
2
Show exceptional ability
Proven through a mix of relevant education, experience, awards, publications, or industry recognition.
STEP 2
The national interest waiver test
USCIS looks at three things — the Matter of Dhanasar framework.
1
Substantial merit and national importance
Your work addresses issues that matter to the U.S., like healthcare, innovation, climate, or the economy.
2
Well-positioned to advance your work
You have the track record, skills, and resources to move your proposed endeavor forward.
3
Benefit to the U.S.
Waiving the job offer and labor certification would serve the country’s interests.
How does the EB-2 NIW compare to other options?
If you qualify, EB-2 NIWs are faster, more flexible, and more in your control. You don’t need a job offer or employer sponsor to qualify — all you need is your existing accomplishments.
Time to result
2 to 8 months
1 year to 12+ years, depending on nationality
8 to 14 months
Time limit
Limited to 6 years
Leads to permanent residency
Leads to permanent residency
Who can sponsor you
A single employer only
Requires employer sponsorship
No sponsorship required
Changing jobs
Tied to your sponsoring employer
Depends on PERM status
No limits - move between employers or projects
Applicants from backlogged countries (India, China): Even with premium processing, total wait times are much longer, typically 3 to 4+ years, depending on the Visa Bulletin.
The exact steps for getting your EB-2 NIW
The EB-2 NIW process follows a clear path, though the timeline depends on how much evidence you already have. Here are the typical steps.
01
Manifest Quiz & Attorney Consult
1-3 DAYS
Start with our free quiz. We’ll assess your eligibility within 1 business day. If you’re eligible, we’ll schedule your free consultation with an attorney who can recommend the best path forward. During the consult, you can share your story, get personalized guidance on your case, and make sure it’s the right fit before you commit.
02
Evidence Collection
3-6 WEEKS
You’ll get a personalized document checklist and access to our secure client portal. With guidance from your attorney and an evidence coach if needed, you’ll upload materials that showcase your achievements and impact.
03
Petition Drafting, Review, and Filing
4-6 WEEKS, MAY VARY BASED ON YOUR CASE
Your EB-2 NIW attorney drafts the full petition, including letters, a personal statement, and a cover memo. Depending on the plan you choose, your case is then reviewed by a second attorney or former USCIS officer to ensure it’s strategically sound.
04
Filing & Decision
45 BUSINESS DAYS WITH PREMIUM PROCESSING, 16 MONTHS+ STANDARD
After final review, we file your case with USCIS. Processing times are dependent on USCIS, but premium processing can guarantee a decision within 45 business days.
Disclaimer: Working with an evidence coach does not guarantee approval of your case.
Taking back control is the goal. Getting the details right is how you can improve your approval odds. The EB-2 NIW can earn you freedom, flexibility, and a path to a green card.
Manifest Law was founded by immigrants, with the purpose of addressing our shared frustrations
OUR QUALITY BAR
Only the Top 1% of Attorney Applicants Are Selected
Every Manifest attorney goes through a selective, multi-stage hiring process. When you engage us, you’re getting an attorney who was chosen for how they think and how they write — not just who was available.
THOUGHTFUL PRICING
No Billable Hour, Money-Back Guarantee Available*
The billable hour is archaic and unfair, but all too common. So we got rid of it. If your case is not approved, we stand behind our work with a money-back guarantee. Meaning you get to file with peace of mind.
*Only available for select plans
TOTAL TRANSPARENCY
Seamless communication, fast response times
Track your case preparation progress and receive real-time notifications and updates from your legal team via the Manifest portal. We closely monitor trends in approvals and denials to stay ahead of evolving USCIS expectations.
DEEP EXPERTISE
Multi-layer reviews with ex USCIS advisors
Every case goes through a structured, multi-level review process by experienced immigration professionals. On select plans, petitions can be reviewed by former USCIS officers to pressure-test the petition before it’s filed.
EB-2 NIW ATTORNEY FEES
Transparent Pricing
Our goal is simple: complete transparency. Every EB-2 NIW case is handled on a flat-fee basis — no hourly billing, no hidden charges, and no surprises. You’ll know exactly what’s included from day one, with the flexibility to choose the level of support that fits your needs.
Starting at
Your experienced attorney files your case, with clear communication and transparency every step of the way.
What’s included:
EB-2 NIW filing
Live case tracking
2-chair legal review
Guaranteed timelines personalized to your case*
Additional services:
RFE response — lock-in pricing
Locked in advance; fully refunded if you don’t receive an RFE.
$2,500
up to $4,000 after
Former USCIS officer review
Full case review.
$1,500
Flat-fee pricing with no surprise fees
Credit cards & bank transfers are accepted
Flexible payment plans available for every tier
Our clients love us because we genuinely want to help
W
Wilson Bikaba
2 reviews
a year ago
Lauren and Simon from Manifest Law did an outstanding job. I worked closely with them to respond to my RFE and my case was approved just after the 1st RFE. They drafted really strong recommendation letters and a strong statement of endeavor. They also put together strong evidence from all articles I found online that relate to the work I do. I definitely recommend you to reach out to Manifest Law to help you with your EB-2 NIW case. I liked their hard work and a positive attitude.
C
Catherine W
Google review
Really impressed with Manifest’s extensive experience in EB1 and EB2 visas as well as personalized approach. They were really helpful in advising about my potential options and how to best present my case, should I decide to apply in future.
A
Andras Titton
Google review
I was using Manifest Law’s services during my EB-2 NIW process. The Team was very professional and my petition was approved. I highly recommend their services.
A few minutes tells you whether the EB-2 NIW is a fit, and what taking control could look like. No commitment.