Can You Get a Green Card Without a Job Offer? Yes, With the EB-2 NIW

A green card without an employer

The EB-2 National Interest Waiver lets professionals apply for a U.S. green card without an employer, a job offer or a labor certification. Engineers, scientists, physicians, researchers, entrepreneurs, and tech and healthcare professionals often qualify.

Step 1: Do you qualify for EB-2?

You need one of the following:

An advanced degree, such as a master’s or PhD, or
A bachelor’s degree plus 5 years of progressive experience, or
Exceptional ability in the sciences, arts or business.

Step 2: The three-part NIW test

USCIS applies the test from Matter of Dhanasar:

Your proposed work has substantial merit and national importance.
You are well positioned to advance it, based on your education, experience, track record and plan.
On balance, it benefits the United States to waive the job offer and labor certification.

The key is your “proposed endeavor”: a specific description of what you’ll do in the U.S. and why it matters. Vague endeavors are the most common reason for denials.

Is your proposed endeavor strong enough?

30 minutes with an attorney for $50, credited toward your fees.

Book for $50 →

Key facts

Self-petition: no employer needed.
No labor certification.
Premium processing is available for the I-140.
Your spouse and children under 21 receive green cards too.
You don’t need to be famous. The NIW is often easier to meet than the EB-1A.

Who files the EB-2 NIW?

PhD researchers and postdocs.
Engineers in AI, energy, semiconductors, aerospace or infrastructure.
Physicians and healthcare professionals.
Founders whose companies create jobs or innovation in the U.S.
H-1B, L-1, O-1 or E-2 holders looking for a faster route to a green card.

Why work with us

We help professionals define a precise, persuasive proposed endeavor and support it with strong evidence and expert letters, for clients from France and around the world.

★★★★★

“I had the pleasure of working with Asif on my EB-2 NIW application, and I am extremely satisfied with his services.”

Bhimsen B., Google review

Know if you qualify for the NIW in 30 minutes

Send your CV. We’ll review your degree, experience and proposed endeavor, so you know whether the NIW, the EB-1A or both make sense.

$50 / 30 minutes

1 · BookPick a time that works for you, in the U.S. or Europe.

2 · Meet30 minutes with an attorney, by video or phone.

3 · PlanLeave with a clear answer and your next steps.

Book my 30-min NIW evaluation · $50 →

The $50 fee is non-refundable and is deducted from your final legal fees if you retain our firm. Appointments can be rescheduled. Missed your appointment? Contact assistant@ariflawofficespc.com to reschedule.

This article is general information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney–client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Arif Law Offices, P.C.