Self-petition for your green card

Apply for a green card without your employer's help

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Self-Petition For Your Green Card

Researchers, startup founders, engineers, consultants and a wide range of other professionals can qualify to apply for a green card without a job offer or an employer sponsor.

Fast track your access to a green card

EB-2 with a National Interest Waiver puts you on a direct path to a green card.

Determine Your Eligibility in Two Steps

Individuals who intend to self-petition must satisfy the requirements for the EB-2 and the National Interest Waiver.

Step 1: Advanced Degree or Exceptional Ability

ADVANCED DEGREE
  • A Master's degree or higher (PhD) OR a foreign degree equivalent to a U.S. Master's degree
  • A Bachelor's degree and five years of post-Bachelor progressive work experience
EXCEPTIONAL ABILITY

Three of the following six criteria

  • A related degree, diploma, or certificate from a university
  • 10 years of related full-time experience
  • A license of certification to practice relevant profession
  • Salary that is above the 70th percentile
  • Membership in a professional association
  • Strong letters of reference from peers

Step 2: National Interest Waiver for EB-2

You must also pass a 3-part test to meet the requirements of the National Interest Waiver.

NATIONAL IMPORTANCE 
AND SUBSTANTIAL MERIT
Will your work create jobs, transform an industry or have an impact on the national economy, or technology?
EXAMPLE
A recent PhD graduate who is doing life-saving cancer research in an emerging area of science.
YOU ARE WELL-POSITIONED TO SUCCEED
Demonstrate past success and future plans. Do you have patents, investors, or awards? Do you have a business plan?
EXAMPLE
A startup founder who has received funding and is a member of an accelerator to grow their business.
AS A WHOLE, BENEFICIAL FOR U.S. TO WAIVE PERM
Is the work time sensitive, do you play a critical role, or would progress slow without your presence in the U.S.?
EXAMPLE
A critical employee at a biotech company  developing early detection of COVID-19 tests.

Legalpad can help you determine eligibility and the best option

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Other Benefits of the EB-2

H-1B EXTENSIONS

If you are currently on H-1B status, you can use EB-2 approval to obtain H-1B extension beyond the 6-year maximum.

H-4 WORK APPROVAL

If you're on H-1B status and your spouse is on H-4, an EB-2 approval can be used to to apply for your spouse's H-4 work authorization.

RETAIN PRIORITY DATE

If you obtain EB-2 approval and later apply for EB-1, you can retain your original priority date for EB-2.

Self-Petition for a Green Card

Legalpad can help you determine eligibility and the best option based on your goals and unique credentials.

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