December 9, 2025

USCIS Forms Required for EB-2 NIW Petition from Germany

Complete guide to USCIS forms required for EB-2 NIW petition from Germany. Learn which forms to file, how to complete them, supporting documents, and common mistakes to avoid.

!
Key Takeaways About USCIS Forms Required for EB-2 NIW from Germany:
  • »
    USCIS forms required for EB-2 NIW petition from Germany primarily consists of Form I-140 Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers with optional Form G-28 if using legal representation.
  • »
    Form I-140 serves as the primary petition establishing exceptional ability and national interest waiver qualification, requiring detailed information about education, employment, and achievements.
  • »
    Additional forms become necessary during final processing including Form I-485 for adjustment of status if in the U.S., or DS-260 for consular processing if remaining in Germany.
  • »
    Supporting documentation matters more than forms themselves, with comprehensive evidence packages including credentials, letters, publications, and personal statements determining approval probability.
  • »
    Filing fees include $700 for Form I-140, with additional costs for adjustment applications, biometrics, medical examinations, and optional services like photocopying or courier delivery.
  • »
    German applicants must ensure proper translations of all German-language documents, accurate form completion following current instructions, and organized submission preventing processing delays. Support from Beyond Border ensures accurate form preparation.
Understanding the Primary Form: I-140

The most critical among USCIS Forms Required for EB-2 NIW Petition from Germany is Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers. This form establishes your qualifications and requests National Interest Waiver classification.

Form I-140 runs approximately four pages requiring detailed information about you, your education, your work experience, and the basis for your petition. The form itself is straightforward, but the supporting documentation determines success.

You file as both petitioner and beneficiary since NIW allows self-petitioning. This differs from employer-sponsored petitions where companies file on behalf of employees.

Part one requests information about the petitioner, which is you. Provide your legal name exactly as appears on your passport, address in Germany, contact information, and biographical details.

Part two addresses the petition classification. You select EB-2 classification and indicate you're requesting National Interest Waiver, which USCIS designates through specific checkboxes on the form.

Part three requires beneficiary information, again yourself. This section asks about your education, work experience, and qualifications establishing EB-2 eligibility through advanced degree or exceptional ability.

Part four covers supporting evidence and additional information. This is where you reference the comprehensive documentation package proving your exceptional ability and national interest contributions.

Download the current version of Form I-140 from the USCIS website ensuring you use the most recent edition with correct fees and instructions.

Ready to ensure perfect Form I-140 completion? Beyond Border provides expert review and preparation ensuring accuracy and completeness.

How Do I Prove a Valid Entry if I Lost the Passport That Had My Original Visa?

Form G-28: Notice of Entry of Appearance

When using legal representation, the USCIS Forms Required for EB-2 NIW Petition from Germany include Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative.

Form G-28 authorizes your attorney to represent you before USCIS, receive correspondence on your behalf, and communicate with immigration officers about your case.

This single-page form requires information about both you and your attorney including names, addresses, and contact details. Your attorney signs confirming representation, and you sign acknowledging their authority.

Including G-28 ensures USCIS communicates directly with your attorney about your petition. Without this form, USCIS sends all correspondence to you personally, potentially causing communication delays if you're unavailable.

Most attorneys insist on filing G-28 with every petition to maintain proper communication channels and protect client interests throughout the process.

Supporting Document Cover Sheet

While not technically required, a supporting document cover sheet or exhibit list significantly improves organization of USCIS Forms Required for EB-2 NIW Petition from Germany submissions.

This cover sheet lists all evidence included in your petition, organized by category with page numbers or exhibit labels. Immigration officers reviewing hundreds of cases appreciate clear organization helping them locate specific evidence quickly.

Include sections for educational credentials, employment verification letters, recommendation letters, publications, patents, awards, media coverage, and any other evidence categories relevant to your case.

Number or label each exhibit consistently throughout your petition package. Well-organized submissions demonstrate professionalism and attention to detail valued by adjudicators.

Forms for Adjustment of Status

After I-140 approval, additional forms become part of the USCIS Forms Required for EB-2 NIW Petition from Germany if you're in the United States seeking adjustment of status.

Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, is the primary form requesting green card processing from within America. This comprehensive form requires extensive biographical information, immigration history, and admissibility details.

Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, allows you to request work permits during adjustment processing. This optional form enables employment for any US employer while awaiting green card approval.

Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, requests advance parole allowing international travel during adjustment without abandoning applications. This form becomes necessary if you need to leave the US during processing.

Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, documents required medical examinations by USCIS-approved civil surgeons. Physicians complete this form, not applicants.

These adjustment forms become relevant only after I-140 approval when you're ready for final green card processing. Don't file them prematurely with your initial NIW petition.

Forms for Consular Processing

German applicants remaining in Germany use consular processing instead, requiring different forms beyond the USCIS Forms Required for EB-2 NIW Petition from Germany.

Form DS-260, Immigrant Visa Electronic Application, is completed online through the State Department's Consular Electronic Application Center. This comprehensive form collects biographical information, immigration history, and background details.

DS-260 replaces older paper forms and must be completed electronically by applicants abroad. After I-140 approval and priority date becoming current, you receive instructions for DS-260 completion.

Additional State Department forms may be required at embassy interviews depending on your specific circumstances or country-specific requirements at US Embassies in Frankfurt, Munich, or Berlin.

Civil documents including birth certificates, marriage certificates if applicable, and police certificates become necessary during consular processing though these are documents rather than USCIS forms.

Beyond Border guides clients through both adjustment and consular processing, ensuring all forms are completed correctly for their specific pathway.

Filing Procedures and Locations

Understanding where to send USCIS Forms Required for EB-2 NIW Petition from Germany prevents costly misdirection.

Most NIW petitions mail to USCIS Service Centers rather than local offices. Check USCIS Form I-140 instructions for current filing addresses as they change periodically.

Different addresses exist for regular mail versus courier services like FedEx or UPS. Verify correct address type for your delivery method.

International mailing from Germany requires proper addressing and sufficient postage. Many applicants use international courier services ensuring tracking and delivery confirmation.

Certified mail or courier tracking provides proof of filing. Save receipts and tracking numbers documenting submission dates.

USCIS issues receipt notices within two to four weeks after receiving petitions. Receipt notices contain case numbers for tracking and confirm filing dates establishing priority dates.

Electronic filing may become available for some USCIS forms, but as of 2025, most NIW petitions still require traditional paper filing.

Schedule your consultation with Beyond Border today and ensure all USCIS forms are completed perfectly, properly organized, and strategically filed for maximum approval probability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main USCIS form for EB-2 NIW petitions from Germany? 

The primary form among USCIS Forms Required for EB-2 NIW Petition from Germany is Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, which establishes exceptional ability and requests National Interest Waiver classification.

Do I need Form I-485 when filing NIW from Germany?

 No, the initial USCIS Forms Required for EB-2 NIW Petition from Germany filing includes only Form I-140, with Form I-485 becoming necessary later only if adjusting status from within the United States after I-140 approval.

Is Form G-28 required for attorney representation?

 While not mandatory among USCIS Forms Required for EB-2 NIW Petition from Germany, Form G-28 is strongly recommended when using legal representation, authorizing attorneys to receive correspondence and communicate with USCIS on your behalf.

What forms do I need after I-140 approval? 

After initial USCIS Forms Required for EB-2 NIW Petition from Germany approval, additional forms include Form I-485 for US adjustment of status or Form DS-260 for consular processing in Germany, depending on your location preference.

Where do I mail Form I-140 from Germany? 

The USCIS Forms Required for EB-2 NIW Petition from Germany mail to specific USCIS Service Centers with addresses listed in Form I-140 instructions, varying by delivery method and requiring international courier services from Germany.

Progress Image

Struggling with your U.S. visa process? We can help.

Other blogs