Filing an EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) petition is a significant step for professionals seeking to obtain a U.S. green card based on their exceptional abilities or advanced degrees. One of the crucial aspects of this process is understanding the financial investment involved. This blog post provides a transparent overview of the costs associated with filing an EB-2 NIW petition, helping you plan and budget effectively for this important endeavor.
Key Costs Involved in Filing an EB-2 NIW Petition
1. USCIS Filing Fees
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) charges several fees for processing your EB-2 NIW petition. These include:
- Form I-140 Fee: The primary form for the EB-2 NIW petition is Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker. The filing fee for Form I-140 is $700.
- Form I-485 Fee: If you are already in the U.S. and wish to adjust your status, you will need to file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. The fee for Form I-485 is $1,140, plus an $85 biometrics fee for applicants aged 14 to 78, making a total of $1,225.
- Form I-765 and Form I-131 Fees: These forms are for employment authorization and travel documents, respectively, and are often filed concurrently with Form I-485. There are no additional fees for these forms if filed together with Form I-485.
2. Attorney Fees
Working with an experienced immigration attorney can significantly enhance your chances of success. Attorney fees vary widely based on the complexity of your case and the attorney’s expertise.
- Initial Consultation: Many attorneys offer an initial consultation, which can range from free to several hundred dollars.
- Preparation and Filing Fees: Attorney fees for preparing and filing your EB-2 NIW petition typically range from $3,000 to $10,000. This fee may cover case evaluation, document preparation, drafting the petition, and responding to any requests for evidence (RFEs).
3. Evaluation and Translation Costs
If your credentials are from a foreign country, you may need to have your educational and professional qualifications evaluated and translated.
- Credential Evaluation: Credential evaluation services, which verify the equivalency of your foreign degrees to U.S. standards, can cost between $100 and $300.
- Translation Services: Official translations of documents not in English are necessary and can cost $20 to $50 per page.
4. Miscellaneous Costs
There are additional costs that you might incur during the EB-2 NIW petition process, including:
- Medical Examination: If applying for adjustment of status, you will need a medical examination by a USCIS-approved physician, costing between $200 and $500.
- Photocopies and Postage: Costs for making photocopies of documents and mailing them can add up, although they are generally minor compared to other expenses.
Planning and Budgeting for Your EB-2 NIW Petition
Given the significant investment required for an EB-2 NIW petition, it is essential to plan and budget effectively. Here are some tips to help you manage your costs:
- Research and Compare: Research multiple attorneys and compare their fees and services. Ensure you understand what each fee covers and ask about any additional costs that might arise.
- Request Estimates: Request detailed estimates for credential evaluations, translations, and medical examinations to avoid unexpected expenses.
- Prepare Documentation Early: Start gathering and organizing your documents early to reduce the time and cost associated with last-minute preparations.
- Seek Expert Advice: Consider consulting with an immigration attorney to get a clear understanding of the total costs involved and to plan your budget accordingly.
Conclusion
Filing an EB-2 NIW petition involves a significant financial investment, including USCIS filing fees, attorney fees, evaluation and translation costs, and other miscellaneous expenses. By understanding and planning for these costs, you can better manage your budget and increase your chances of a successful petition.
For expert guidance and assistance with your EB-2 NIW petition, visit EB2NIWExperts. For an initial evaluation of your eligibility and documentation requirements, click here. Stay updated on immigration news and updates from USCIS here.