Got a master’s and motivation? This is your chance. Even without a long publication record, you can build a winning EB-2 NIW petition.

A big win with the EB-2 National Interest Waiver is self-sponsorship. That means you don’t need an employer to file for you. But you do need a strong case showing you meet USCIS’s national interest waiver criteria.

Still wondering, how to apply for EB2 NIW without a sponsor?

• File Form I-140 under the EB-2 NIW category.
• Include documentation that supports your qualifications, such as academic records, bank certificates for U.S. visa, or proof of ongoing U.S. interest in your work.
• Be ready to write a solid cover letter — especially if you’re responding to an RFE related to a birth certificate or degree equivalency.

Pro Tip: Your bank statement for visa filings may be requested depending on your application. VeriPass helps you prep for everything the USCIS might ask, from I-140 NIW processing time projections to advance parole travel guidance during AOS (Adjustment of Status).

What If You’re Not EB-2 NIW Eligible?

Let’s be real, the EB-2 NIW is powerful, but it’s not for everyone. If you don’t meet the EB-2 NIW requirements, all hope is not lost.

You might be a great candidate for the O-1 visa, particularly if you’re a creative artist, entrepreneur, or tech founder. The O-1 visa for entrepreneurs is a solid fit for startup founders and innovators.

Some key facts:

• The O-1 visa is for individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, business, and athletics.
• You can transition from O-1 to green card via the EB-2 NIW pathways.
• Unlike H-1B, the O-1 visa is dual intent, meaning you can pursue a green card while on O-1 status.

Thinking about the O1 visa startup route? VeriPass can help you register your business in the U.S., connect with partners, and document your influence through media placements and awards.

Your O-1 visa to green card timeline starts with a strategic foundation — let us help you lay it.

If you’re applying under the exceptional ability category rather than the advanced degree route, you’ll need to meet at least three out of seven criteria laid out by USCIS. These include:

• Official academic records related to your area of expertise
• Letters showing at least ten years of full-time experience
• A license to practice your profession or certification
• Evidence that you’ve commanded a high salary
• Membership in professional associations
• Recognition from peers or industry organizations
• Other comparable evidence

If you don’t have all these, don’t worry. Many recent grads may not. This is where VeriPass steps in with powerful, personalized strategies to help you craft strong narratives and highlight what you do have. From building your case with expert letters to securing press publications or helping you incorporate your business, we’re here to amplify your professional profile.

What About RFEs? Here’s What to Expect

Getting an RFE (Request for Evidence) doesn’t mean denial—it means USCIS needs more information. Many high-achieving applicants receive an EB2 NIW RFE, especially when applying with limited experience. Some examples of RFEs include:

• Questions about the national importance of your work
• Requests for bank certificate for US visa proof of funding
• Clarification on your advanced degree credentials
• A cover letter for response to birth certificate RFE

At VeriPass, we help clients respond to USCIS Request for Evidence thoroughly and effectively, maximizing the EB2 NIW approval rate 2025. With our support, you’ll never face an RFE alone.

Fresh Grad Tip: Leverage Startup & Innovation Credentials

Did you know you can enhance your EB2 NIW or even qualify for an O1 visa by showing entrepreneurial potential? A growing number of applicants are transitioning from O1 visa startup ventures to the EB-2 NIW.

Whether you’re an O1 visa entrepreneur or building an AI-powered app, VeriPass can help you:

• Structure your O1 visa to green card strategy
• Prepare O1 to EB1 or O1 to EB2 NIW transitions
• Establish your U.S. presence with business incorporation and startup planning

We’ve worked with tech innovators, O1 visa dependent holders, and founders ready to scale. The O1 visa approval rate is rising in 2024, and combining that momentum with a strong green card NIW petition gives you a serious edge.

O-1 Visa or EB-2 NIW: Which Path Is Right for You?

If you’re torn between the O1 visa vs EB2, here’s a quick breakdown:

What If You’re on a J1, H1B, or F1 Visa?

Great question!

Many recent grads start with F1, J1, or H1B visas before upgrading. Here’s what you need to know:

• J1 to EB2 NIW is possible, especially if you’ve secured a J1 waiver job
• H1B to green card timeline is longer, but H1B NIW is a viable path if you qualify
• F1 students may later file EB2 NIW if their master’s is STEM-related and they’ve built some impactful projects

VeriPass can evaluate whether it’s time to reapply for a US visa, switch to EB2 NIW, or go straight from O-1 visa stamping to green card.

Financial & Legal Considerations

Applying for U.S. immigration benefits always comes with costs. Besides the filing fees mentioned earlier, you’ll need:

• A solid bank statement for visa to show financial stability
• Expert help for navigating withdraw affidavit of support divorce cases if relevant
• A detailed response to USCIS Request for Evidence was received record to track your progress

We also help you understand USCIS social media visa application expectations and align your online presence accordingly.

Book a consultation with VeriPass to get started on your EB-2 NIW or O-1 visa journey. We offer:

• Customized PR publication strategies for NIW
• Full visa application support
• Business incorporation in the U.S.
• Support for RFEs, dual intent paths, and visa transitions

Is the EB-2 NIW Worth It?

If you want to self-petition for a green card, avoid PERM, and build your life in the U.S.—yes, the EB-2 NIW is worth it. It’s ideal for fresh grads, mid-career professionals, and creators alike.

With VeriPass, you’re not just another file in a stack. You get personalized coaching, strategic insights, and expert support every step of the way.

Fresh Grad Tip: Leverage Startup & Innovation Credentials

Did you know you can enhance your EB2 NIW or even qualify for an O1 visa by showing entrepreneurial potential? A growing number of applicants are transitioning from O1 visa startup ventures to the EB-2 NIW.

Whether you’re an O1 visa entrepreneur or building an AI-powered app, VeriPass can help you:

• Structure your O1 visa to green card strategy
• Prepare O1 to EB1 or O1 to EB2 NIW transitions
• Establish your U.S. presence with business incorporation and startup planning

Still unsure? VeriPass can assess your profile to determine whether O-1 visa vs EB1, O1 vs H1B, or O1 visa to EB1 offers the most strategic path forward.