Permanent residency for individuals whose work is in the national interest (no labor certification or job offer required).
Estimated Cost
$2,590
Processing Time
~12 months
Validity
Permanent
The EB-2 National Interest Waiver allows individuals with exceptional ability or advanced degrees to self-petition for permanent residency without employer sponsorship or labor certification, if their proposed endeavor has substantial merit and national importance to the United States.
Average: 12 months
Path to Residency
Path to Citizenship
~5 years
Advanced degree or exceptional ability*
Must qualify for EB-2 category (advanced degree OR exceptional ability meeting 3 of 6 criteria)
Substantial merit and national importance*
Proposed endeavor must have substantial merit and national importance
Well-positioned to advance*
Must be well-positioned to advance the proposed endeavor
Benefit to U.S.*
On balance, it must be beneficial to the U.S. to waive job offer and labor certification requirements
Self-petition*
No employer sponsorship required
| Fee | Amount | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Form I-140 Filing Fee | $715 | One-time |
| Form I-485 Adjustment of Status | $1,440 | One-time |
| Biometrics Fee | $85 | One-time |
| Medical Examination | $350 | One-time |
| Premium Processing Fee (I-907)(optional) | $2,965 | One-time |
| Business Plan (if entrepreneur)(optional) | $5,500 | One-time |
| Legal/Attorney Fees(optional) | $12,000 | One-time |
| Estimated Total | $2,590 |