EB-2 (NIW)| EB-1A Green Cards
Green Card Options for Foreigners: Achievement-Based Immigration
EB-1 means Employment-Based Immigration: First Preference. EB-1A is a subcategory within EB-1, which is specifically for individuals who possess Extraordinary Ability. EB-2 (NIW) means Employment-Based Immigration: Second Preference (EB-2) - National Interest Waiver petition, and it is one of the statutorily approved ways for foreigners to become permanent residents in the U.S., and, subsequently, become U.S. citizens. For EB-2 (NIW). EB-2 (NIW) is ideal for individuals (regardless of their locations) with an Advanced Degree or Exceptional Ability in their fields.
Unlike other employment-based petitions, a prospective applicant f0or EB-2 (NIW) does not need to go through a lengthy labor certification — or/and does not need a sponsoring employer/job offer — if s/he qualifies for a National Interest Waiver.
Both EB-1A and EB-2 (NIW) applicants (regardless of their locations) can self-petition (i.e., without employer sponsorship, job offer and PERM labor certification), as long as they can satisfy other statutory and regulatory requirements. For EB-2 (NIW) applicants, they must satisfy the three-prong test decided in this precedent case: Matter of Dhanasar, 26 I&N Dec. 884 (AAO 2016), while EB-IA applicants must show that they will substantially benefit the United States in the future.