🇺🇸 United States · Skilled independent

EB-2 with National Interest Waiver (NIW) — requirements, costs & how to apply

Official source Updated 2026-06-09 · Government page ↗

Who is eligible

Minimum monthly income€11,624
Minimum annual salary€139,486
Proof of savings€8,718
Job offerRequired
Employer sponsorRequired
Work experience5+ years
Educationmasters
Age range18–65

Costs

Application / consular fee€934

Who can apply

Open to all nationalities.

How to apply

  1. Confirm you meet the eligibility above.
  2. Gather documents and apply via the official portal: https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/permanent-workers/employment-based-immigration-second-preference-eb-2.
  3. Typical processing: ~180 days.

Frequently asked

How much income do I need?

You must show €11,624.

Sources & verification

Every figure on this page is taken from an official government source and dated. Nothing is inferred.

Education

“You may be eligible for an employment-based, second preference visa if you are a member of the professions holding an advanced degree or its equivalent ... An advanced degree is any United States academic or professional degree or a foreign equivalent degree above that of bachelor's. A U.S. bachelor's degree (or a foreign equivalent degree) followed by at least five years of progressive experience in the specialty is considered the equivalent of ”

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Informational only, not legal or immigration advice. Requirements change — always confirm on the official government source linked above before applying. Last verified 2026-06-09.

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