1. Main Requirements:

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• Possession of a higher education degree (a Master’s degree or higher, or a Bachelor’s degree combined with at least 5 years of progressive professional experience in the specialty field), as well as relevant professional experience;
  or

• Demonstration of exceptional ability in the applicant’s field of expertise. In this case, the applicant must provide documentary evidence meeting at least 3 out of the 7 criteria established by U.S. immigration law.

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Additional Requirements:

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• Evidence showing that approval of the petition would be in the national interest of the United States and that the applicant’s work in the U.S. would provide substantial benefit to the economy;

• Demonstration of future plans to continue working in the field of achievements after relocating to the United States.

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2. Processing Times:

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• EB-2 NIW petitions are generally processed within 6–9 months on average.

• Premium processing is available within approximately 45 days upon payment of an additional government filing fee.

3. Obtaining U.S. Citizenship:

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After applying for a Green Card, the applicant may receive temporary documents (work authorization and travel authorization). The Green Card process itself takes approximately 1.5 years on average. Eligibility to apply for U.S. citizenship begins 5 years after obtaining the Green Card.

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4.  Additional Information:

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The applicant must prove that they will continue working in the field of expertise described in the petition after arriving in the United States.

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It is important to demonstrate not only that the applicant’s achievements are valuable to the national interest of the United States, but also that the applicant will have the necessary opportunities to further develop their field within the U.S.

For this reason, having clear professional plans in the United States, as well as interested parties such as potential employers, clients, partners, or investors, is extremely important.

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List of Criteria Required for EB-2 NIW Based on Exceptional Ability

(The applicant must satisfy at least 3 of the following criteria):

• A diploma, academic record, certificate, or similar award from a college, university, school, or other educational institution related to the field of exceptional ability;

• Letters documenting at least 10 years of full-time professional experience in the specialty field;

• A license or certification authorizing professional practice;

• Evidence that the applicant has commanded a salary or other remuneration for services demonstrating exceptional ability;

• Membership in professional associations;

• Recognition of achievements and significant contributions to the field by governmental entities, professional organizations, or business organizations;

• Other comparable evidence.