Discover how a free EB2 NIW evaluation helps you assess your eligibility, understand costs, approval rates, and processing times for Indian nationals—before starting your green card application.
Considering a U.S. green card but uncertain whether you qualify? This is where a free EB2 NIW evaluation can provide clarity. Before committing significant time and financial resources, an initial assessment helps you understand your chances of success. The EB2 National Interest Waiver is appealing because it removes the need for employer sponsorship, but it is not suitable for everyone. USCIS carefully examines whether your work has substantial merit and national importance. A free EB2 NIW assessment helps determine whether your profile aligns with these criteria and identifies areas for improvement.
This evaluation can save months of uncertainty and prevent unnecessary expenses. It also helps you decide if working with an experienced immigration team such as Beyond Border would strengthen your case.
The EB2 National Interest Waiver, often called EB2 NIW, is part of the EB2 employment-based green card category. Normally, EB2 applicants need an employer sponsor and a labor certification known as PERM. NIW allows you to self-petition, removing the requirement for a job offer entirely.
To qualify, you must hold an advanced degree, such as a master’s or higher, or demonstrate exceptional ability in your field. You must also prove that your work brings substantial benefit to the United States, whether through science, technology, business, healthcare, or research. USCIS applies a three-part test to decide if you qualify. They look at whether your work is in the national interest, whether you are well-positioned to advance it, and whether waiving the job offer requirement benefits the U.S. more than enforcing it.
The EB2 NIW cost includes USCIS filing fees, translation or credential evaluations, and potentially attorney fees if you seek professional guidance. The EB2 National Interest Waiver processing time typically ranges from six to twelve months for the I‑140 petition. However, Indian nationals still face longer waits due to visa bulletin backlogs. You can always verify the latest processing timelines directly on the USCIS website.
A free EB2 NIW evaluation offers a structured review of your background to determine whether you meet the criteria. Typically, you will provide your CV, a summary of your work, and details of publications, awards, or other achievements. An immigration professional then assesses how your profile aligns with NIW requirements and identifies areas that can be improved.
This kind of evaluation gives you a clear indication of whether you meet the advanced degree or exceptional ability requirement, along with feedback on the strength of your case for national interest. You also gain guidance on what additional evidence could improve your petition, and you get a realistic understanding of your potential EB2 NIW approval rate. Working with services such as Beyond Border ensures that this review is accurate and actionable. Instead of moving forward with uncertainty, you can take informed next steps.
Applicants often wonder whether the EB2 or EB3 visa is more suitable for their situation. The distinction largely depends on qualifications and career goals. EB2, especially with NIW, allows self-petitioning and bypasses the PERM labor certification, making it ideal for highly skilled professionals whose work significantly benefits the U.S. EB3, by contrast, is for skilled workers, professionals, and some unskilled roles and always requires a job offer and PERM certification.
For Indian nationals, both categories face long backlogs. However, NIW still provides more independence because it does not rely on employer sponsorship. If you are unsure which path fits your situation best, a free EB2 NIW assessment can clarify your eligibility. You can also consult the visa bulletin on USCIS.gov for the latest wait times.
Understanding the EB2 NIW cost helps you plan your application effectively. Typical expenses include the USCIS I-140 filing fee, which is currently $715, along with attorney fees that usually range between $10,000 and $12,000 depending on the service level. You may also need to budget for translations and credential evaluations, which cost around $200 to $500. Optional premium processing, now available for NIW petitions starting in 2024, adds $2,805 to the cost but significantly reduces waiting time for I-140 approval.
Some legal services offer flexible payment plans to make these costs more manageable. A free EB2 NIW evaluation ensures that these investments are worthwhile by confirming your eligibility before you proceed. While you can self-file, working with experienced professionals like Beyond Border often results in a stronger, more organized petition.
Many applicants worry about the EB2 NIW approval rate, but success largely depends on the strength of the evidence provided. USCIS is more likely to approve petitions that clearly demonstrate significant benefit to the United States, such as advancing science, technology, or healthcare. Work that aligns with critical national priorities and proof that you are uniquely qualified to carry out your proposed contributions are key factors.
Providing well-documented publications, patents, media coverage, or endorsements from recognized experts can strengthen your case considerably. Reviewing approval trends on USCIS.gov can also give you insight into recent patterns. A free EB2 NIW assessment helps you understand how your profile compares to successful cases, allowing you to improve before filing.
For Indian nationals, the EB2 NIW priority date for India remains heavily backlogged. Although NIW skips the PERM labor certification, it does not eliminate the visa bulletin queue. Still, filing NIW has several advantages. You secure an earlier priority date, which is critical for long-term planning. You remain independent of employer sponsorship, giving you more flexibility. And you can continue building your career while waiting for your priority date to become current. You can always track updated dates on the USCIS Visa Bulletin to stay informed.
Is EB2 NIW the right green card pathway for you? The most practical way to find out is by starting with a free EB2 NIW evaluation. It is straightforward, cost-free, and provides clear guidance on your chances. Usually, you will need to share your current CV or résumé, a brief summary of your work, achievements, and U.S. plans, along with documentation of any awards, publications, or patents.
Once submitted, experts at Beyond Border will review your profile and provide an honest assessment. If your case is strong, they will guide you step by step through preparing and filing a complete petition. Rather than spending months wondering about your eligibility, you can receive timely, professional feedback and move forward with confidence.
Is EB2 NIW better than EB3 for Indian applicants? EB2 NIW is often preferred because it allows self-petitioning without employer sponsorship. However, both EB2 and EB3 face long backlogs for Indian nationals. The best choice depends on your qualifications and whether you meet NIW’s national interest criteria.
Can you apply for EB2 NIW while on a temporary visa like H‑1B or F‑1? Yes. Many applicants file for EB2 NIW while holding temporary status in the U.S., such as H‑1B, O‑1, or F‑1. The process is independent of your current visa, but you must maintain lawful status while your petition is pending.
What documents are needed for a free EB2 NIW evaluation? Usually, you need an updated résumé or CV, a short summary of your work, and any publications, patents, or awards. These documents help immigration experts determine your eligibility before you formally begin the process.
Does a free EB2 NIW assessment guarantee approval? No, it does not guarantee approval. It simply gives you a professional opinion on your chances based on your current profile and highlights what can be improved before filing.
How long does EB2 NIW take for Indian nationals? The I‑140 petition usually takes six to twelve months for USCIS to process. However, due to visa bulletin backlogs, Indian nationals may wait several years before their priority date becomes current. Filing early helps secure a better place in line.
Do you need an attorney for EB2 NIW? It is not legally required, but hiring an experienced attorney can significantly improve the quality of your petition and reduce the risk of mistakes. Many applicants choose professional help from teams like Beyond Border for better results.
Ready to confirm your EB2 NIW eligibility? Start your free evaluation with Beyond Border today and receive expert guidance tailored to your profile.
