The EB2 NIW STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) is a program that allows workers within the STEM field with exceptional ability to obtain a green card without the need for a job offer or sponsorship. This program recognizes the importance of the STEM field in the U.S. and allows them to contribute their skills and expertise to the national interest.
United States EB2 NIW STEM
United States EB2 NIW STEM overview
United States EB2 NIW STEM benefits
- Obtain a Green Card (unconditional permanent residence status) in the USA for the applicant and family members, valid for 10 years
- Dependents included: spouse (same-sex included) and children under 21
- Right to live, work, and study in the USA
- Fast processing time compared to other green card routes
- Pathway to US citizenship after 5 years of residence in the USA
United States EB2 NIW STEM requirements
- At least 10 years of full-time experience working in the STEM field
- Licensure to practice your profession
- Evidence of salary in the top 70% of STEM field experts in your country of employment at some point in the last 5 years
- Proof of membership in an acceptable professional association
- Recognition of achievements in the STEM field from peers, government entities, or professional or business organizations
- Other comparable evidence such as management or academic duties, publications, speeches, or anything that makes your background or experience special or noteworthy
United States EB2 NIW STEM investment options
- No minimum investment required
- Government filing fee: USD 715 (I-140 petition) plus USD 300 mandatory asylum fee
- Premium processing option available for an additional fee, guaranteeing a USCIS response within 45 business days per communication
United States EB2 NIW STEM application process
- Complete a preliminary eligibility assessment with HLG
- Submit the completed I-140 application forms and required supporting documents to USCIS to obtain the National Interest Waiver. Processing time is approximately up to 24 months, though an expedited process can be applied to reduce this timeframe
- Once the NIW is approved, the case is transferred to the US Department of State National Visa Centre (NVC) to process green card applications for the applicant and dependents
- File for the immigrant visa at the US consulate abroad. The NVC triages the case to the appropriate consulate for the immigration medical check and consular interview
- Enter the US as a lawful permanent resident within 6 months of visa issuance to activate the immigrant visa. Green Cards are sent via US mail within approximately one month of arrival
Frequently asked questions
Is a job offer required to apply for an EB-2 visa?
A job offer is not required for the EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) category but is necessary for the EB-2A and EB-2B categories.
What does STEM stand for in the context of the EB-2 program?
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
What is the benefit of the EB-2 STEM NIW program?
Successful applicants obtain a Green Card (unconditional permanent residence status) in the USA for themselves and their dependents, valid for 10 years, along with eligibility for US citizenship after 5 years of residence.
Do I need a job offer to apply for the EB-2 NIW STEM program?
No. A job offer is not required for the National Interest Waiver category. The job offer, also called labor certification, is only required for EB-2 A and EB-2 B.
Do I need previous teaching experience or academic publications to qualify for the EB-2 NIW STEM program?
No, previous teaching experience or academic publications are not required, though they may strengthen the application.
I only have academic research experience in a STEM field. Can I qualify for the EB-2 NIW program?
Potentially. All interested applicants are requested to complete a preliminary assessment form so the HLG legal team can review their eligibility and render an assessment based on the information provided.
Do I need a business idea to qualify for the EB-2 NIW STEM program?
Potentially. Applicants need to demonstrate how their proposed endeavour meets the NIW criteria, which may require presenting a business idea.
United States EB2 NIW STEM
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