Blog, immigration

How to apply for EB2-NIW from overseas (outside the United States)

The Employment-Based Second Preference National Interest Waiver (EB2 – NIW) category of Green cards allows professionals with advanced degree and exceptional abilities self – petition for a green card. They can do so without a sponsor or the help of a lawyer and do not need a job offer!.

If you have purchased a copy of my EB2-NIW Tool-Kit or watched my YouTube videos online, you already know that I share a lot of information about applying for a green card from within the United States. However, you do not need to be living in the United States to apply for your green card under the EB2-NIW category. By the way if you are wondering what fields qualify for a green card under this category, here’s a good article for you.

Here are the steps for filing an EB2-NIW green card application from outside the USA.

Submit Form I-140 and supporting documents to USCIS with appropriate fees (check this link to see acceptable methods of payment. currently, $700).

Checks and money orders accepted. The check or money order must be drawn on a bank or other financial institution located in the United States and must be payable in U.S. currency (make the check or money order payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security).

If you live outside the United States, contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate for instructions on the method of payment. (Please see the USCIS website at http://www.uscis.gov/I-140 or call the National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 for the most current information about where to file this petition. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833).

2. Once I-140 is approved, and you are not in the US, the USCIS will send the approved Form I-140 petition to the National Visa Center of the Department of State. The National Visa Center will send you a notice of receipt. The National Visa Center will also send you another notice indicating the next steps, and when you should submit the immigrant visa processing fees and supporting documents.

3. Complete the consular processing at the closest US consulate office.

Once your I-140 application is approved, here is the 12-step immigrant visa process ( you already have completed step 1, which is to “submit a petition”) . You will also find information on the fees on that page.

4. Interview process

An interview process is required for the EB2-NIW process. Be prepared to present the original copies of ALL the documents you submitted as supporting evidence for your EB2NIW application.

5. If approved, Your immigrant visa will be attached to your passport to serve as evidence of your immigrant status until you receive the green card in the mail (in the US).

Need help with your EB2-NIW Application? Reach out today. Are you currently applying for your green card from outside the United States? what specific concerns do you currently have?