Important Category Fees of the EB2 NIW Cost

EB2 NIW Cost: A Breakdown of Fees and Expenses

Pursuing an EB2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) is a significant step towards achieving your dream of living and working in the United States. However, understanding the EB2 NIW cost is crucial for effective planning.

In this blog post, we provide a comprehensive breakdown of the fees and expenses involved in the EB2 NIW visa process.

Understanding the EB2 NIW Process

The EB2 NIW allows individuals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities to self-petition for a green card, bypassing the labor certification process.

The costs associated with this process can be categorized into USCIS filing fees, attorney fees (if applicable), and other related expenses.

1. USCIS Filing Fees

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) charges fees for various stages of the EB2 NIW process. Here’s a breakdown of the primary fees:

• Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker): This is the primary petition for the EB2 NIW. The current USCIS filing fee for Form I-140 is subject to change, so always check the official USCIS website for the most up-to-date information.
• Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status): If you are already in the United States, you will need to file Form I-485 to adjust your status to a permanent resident. This form also incurs a separate filing fee.
• Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization Document – EAD): While your I-485 is pending, you can apply for an EAD, allowing you to work in the U.S. There is a separate fee for this application.
• Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document – Advance Parole): If you wish to travel outside the US while your I-485 is pending, you’ll need to apply for advance parole using form I-131, which also has a filing fee.
• Premium Processing (Form I-907): If you opt for premium processing for your I-140 petition, there is an additional fee. This service guarantees a 15-day processing time.
  Important Note: USCIS fees are subject to change. Always refer to the official USCIS website (uscis.gov) for the most current fee schedule.

2. Attorney Fees

While you can self-petition for an EB2 NIW, many individuals choose to hire an immigration attorney to navigate the complex process.

Attorney fees can vary significantly based on the attorney’s experience, location, and the complexity of your case. These are some of the factors that influence attorney fees:

• Case complexity: Cases with complex evidence or unique circumstances may incur higher fees.
• Attorney experience: Experienced immigration attorneys often charge higher fees.
• Location: Attorney fees can vary depending on the geographic location.

3. Other Related Expenses

In addition to USCIS and attorney fees, other EB2 NIW cost and expenses may include:

• Translation Fees: If your documents are not in English, you will need to have them translated by a certified translator.
• Credential Evaluation: If your educational credentials are from a foreign institution, you may need to have them evaluated by a credential evaluation service.
• Document Gathering and Copies: The process requires gathering numerous documents, which may incur copying and mailing expenses.
• Medical Examination: A medical examination is required as part of the I-485 process.
• Biometrics Fee: USCIS requires biometrics (fingerprints, photograph, and signature) as a part of the I-485 application process.

Tips for Managing EB2 NIW Costs

1. Plan Ahead: Develop a budget and factor in all potential expenses.
2. Research Thoroughly: Compare attorney fees and credential evaluation services.
3. Organize Documents: Proper organization can minimize unnecessary expenses.
4. Stay Informed: Regularly check the USCIS and/or eb2niwexperts.com website for fee updates.

The EB2 NIW visa process involves various fees and expenses. By understanding these costs and planning accordingly, you can navigate the process more effectively and achieve your immigration goals. Always consult the official USCIS website and, if possible, seek advice from an experienced immigration attorney for personalized guidance.