Employment-based 2nd preference with National Interest Waiver — self-petition green card.

Do I need employer sponsorship?

No — that's the 'waiver' part.

How long for Indian-born applicants?

Long — priority date backlog 10+ years.

Can I premium process?

Yes — I-140 only, since 2022.

H1B to EB-2 NIW Timeline 2027 Calculator

EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) lets you self-petition for green card (no employer sponsorship). 2027 timeline: I-140 1-12 months processing + I-485 8-24 months (if domestic). Premium Processing for I-140 = 15 calendar days for $2,805. Major route for tech workers, researchers, entrepreneurs.

Country of birth

Premium Processing I-140?

EB-2 NIW Requirements (Dhanasar 2016)

(1) Advanced degree or exceptional ability. (2) Proposed endeavor of national importance. (3) Well-positioned to advance. (4) On balance, beneficial to waive labor certification.

India/China Backlog

India EB-2: priority date 2012-2013 currently. China EB-2: 2020 currently. Rest of World: current (no wait). Major reason most Indian H1B holders pursue EB-1A or marry US citizen.

Cost Breakdown

I-140 filing $700, Premium $2,805. I-485 $1,440 + biometrics $85. Attorney $5K-15K. Medical exam $500. Total ~$10K-20K with attorney.

Source and Disclaimer

Matter of Dhanasar (2016), uscis.gov EB-2 NIW. Visa Bulletin updated monthly. Premium Processing now available for I-140 NIW (added 2022).

Source: uscis.gov, Matter of Dhanasar (2016). Last updated: May 2026.