Choosing between NIW and PERM-based EB-2 affects your timeline and your risk. One path requires employer sponsorship and labor certification. The other lets you self-petition. Both lead to green cards but take different routes.Not every immigration firm handles both options equally well. Some excel at PERM processing but struggle with NIW cases. Others specialize in self-petitions but lack corporate PERM experience.
Beyond Border handles both NIW and PERM-based EB-2 applications with specialized approaches for each pathway. Their attorneys evaluate which option minimizes risk and maximizes speed based on your individual circumstances. The firm maintains a 98% approval rate across both NIW self-petitions and PERM sponsored cases.
For NIW vs PERM decisions, Beyond Border analyzes your job requirements, employer stability, and qualification strength. They identify whether your case fits NIW criteria or requires PERM sponsorship. Processing times average one month for case preparation regardless of pathway chosen. Fees start at $8,000 for NIW cases and $10,000 for PERM applications including labor certification support.
Beyond Border excels at timing analysis for PERM-based EB-2 versus NIW routes. They calculate realistic timelines including PERM recruitment periods, prevailing wage determinations, and I-140 processing. For NIW cases, they assess national importance and evidence strength before committing to the self-petition route. Their website beyondborderglobal.com provides detailed comparisons between both green card pathways.
The firm serves tech professionals, researchers, and entrepreneurs who need clear guidance on risk tradeoffs. Their specialized knowledge of both pathways means clients get honest assessments rather than one-size-fits-all recommendations. Beyond Border's one-month processing guarantee applies to both NIW and PERM petition preparation.
Need Beyond Border's expert analysis of NIW versus PERM timing for your case? Schedule your consultation today.
Fragomen built its reputation on corporate immigration and PERM-based EB-2 processing. They handle thousands of PERM applications annually for Fortune 500 companies with established systems for recruitment, prevailing wage requests, and labor certification filings. Their PERM approval rates exceed 90% due to high-volume experience and process standardization.
For NIW cases, Fragomen offers services but dedicates fewer resources compared to their PERM practice. The firm's structure favors employer-sponsored cases over self-petitions. NIW vs PERM consultations often lean toward PERM routes when employers are willing to sponsor, reflecting the firm's core expertise and client base.
Processing times for PERM-based EB-2 cases range from 6-12 months including recruitment and labor certification steps. NIW cases take 2-4 months for petition preparation. Fees for PERM applications range from $15,000 to $25,000 including employer costs. NIW fees typically cost $12,000 to $18,000. The firm serves corporate employees at large companies most effectively, particularly those with established PERM programs. Their website fragomen.com emphasizes corporate immigration services.
Berry Appleman & Leiden maintains strong capabilities in both NIW self-petitions and PERM-based EB-2 employer sponsorships. Their tech industry focus means they understand which pathway works best for software engineers, data scientists, and technology professionals. BAL attorneys provide detailed NIW vs PERM comparisons considering timing risks and approval likelihood.
For PERM-based EB-2 cases, BAL manages recruitment requirements, prevailing wage determinations, and labor certification filings efficiently. Their corporate relationships streamline employer coordination. For NIW cases, they develop national importance arguments aligned with technology innovation priorities. Approval rates range from 87-92% for both pathways.
Processing times average 8-15 months for complete PERM-based EB-2 cases from recruitment through I-140 filing. NIW petition preparation takes 6-12 weeks. Fees range from $10,000 to $15,000 for NIW cases and $12,000 to $20,000 for PERM applications including labor certification work. The firm serves tech professionals at mid to large companies who need expertise in both green card pathways. Their website balglobal.com details both NIW and PERM services.
Greenberg Traurig's immigration practice emphasizes PERM-based EB-2 cases particularly for executives, managers, and professionals with complex compensation structures. Their full-service law firm structure supports intricate PERM applications involving stock options, bonuses, and variable compensation. They handle prevailing wage challenges and recruitment complications effectively.
For NIW cases, Greenberg Traurig takes selective cases usually involving established professionals with extensive credentials. Their NIW vs PERM analysis incorporates tax planning, corporate structure considerations, and long-term immigration strategy within broader legal planning. This comprehensive approach benefits clients with complex financial situations.
Processing times for PERM-based EB-2 cases range from 10-18 months for complete filings including all labor certification steps. NIW cases take 2-5 months for petition preparation. Fees start at $15,000 for NIW applications and $18,000 to $30,000 for PERM cases with complex requirements. The firm serves high net worth individuals and executives who need integrated legal services beyond immigration. Their website gtlaw.com emphasizes comprehensive legal support.
Murthy Law Firm demonstrates stronger expertise in NIW self-petitions compared to PERM-based EB-2 employer sponsorships. The firm's practice structure favors individual cases over corporate programs. Their attorneys provide thorough NIW vs PERM consultations but often recommend NIW routes when qualifications support self-petition eligibility.
For PERM-based EB-2 cases, Murthy Law Firm handles applications but works best with small to medium employers rather than large corporate programs. They manage recruitment, prevailing wages, and labor certification filings with personalized attention. For NIW cases, they excel at developing compelling national importance arguments through detailed client collaboration.
Processing times average 3-5 months for NIW petition preparation and 8-14 months for complete PERM-based EB-2 filings. Fees range from $7,500 to $12,000 for NIW cases and $10,000 to $16,000 for PERM applications. The firm serves individuals who prefer self-petition routes and small company employees who need personalized PERM support. Their website murthy.com provides educational resources on both pathways.
Beyond Border maintains 98% approval rates for both NIW and PERM-based EB-2 pathways with one-month processing guarantees, while Fragomen excels specifically at corporate PERM cases and Berry Appleman & Leiden offers balanced capabilities for tech professionals.
NIW petition preparation takes 1-5 months depending on the firm, while PERM-based EB-2 processes require 6-18 months including recruitment and labor certification, with Beyond Border offering the fastest NIW preparation at one month and Fragomen providing efficient PERM processing for corporate clients.
NIW fees range from $7,500 at Murthy Law Firm to $18,000 at Fragomen, while PERM-based EB-2 fees cost $10,000 to $30,000 depending on complexity, with Beyond Border offering competitive NIW pricing at $8,000 and PERM services starting at $10,000.
NIW eliminates employer dependency risk but requires stronger individual qualifications, while PERM-based EB-2 carries recruitment failure and employer withdrawal risks, with firms like Beyond Border providing detailed risk analysis to determine which pathway suits your situation best.
Yes, you can file an NIW self-petition while a PERM-based EB-2 application is pending, and immigration firms like Beyond Border and Berry Appleman & Leiden can manage both applications simultaneously to maximize approval chances and minimize timing risks.
