Compare employment-based green card categories side-by-side to find the path that fits your background and timeline.
National Interest Waiver
Standard
Advanced degree or exceptional ability; work must benefit the U.S. national interest
Key criteria
Must satisfy the Dhirane test: substantial merit, national scope, and petitioner well-positioned to advance the work
Processing time
12–36 months (standard); 15 business days with premium
Approval rate
~75% (varies by field)
Attorney cost (est.)
$3,500–$8,000
Current visa wait times
Most countries
Current for most countries
India
Heavily backlogged — years to decades
China
Backlogged — multiple years
Best for
STEM PhDs, physicians, researchers, entrepreneurs, policymakers who can articulate national impact
| Category | Self-petition | No PERM | Current (India) | Attorney est. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
EB-1A Extraordinary Ability | ✓ | ✓ | Current | $5,000–$15,000 |
EB-1B Outstanding Researchers & Professors | ✗ | ✓ | Current | $5,000–$12,000 |
EB-1C Multinational Managers & Executives | ✗ | ✓ | Current | $5,000–$10,000 |
EB-2 NIW National Interest Waiver | ✓ | ✓ | Backlogged | $3,500–$8,000 |
EB-2 (PERM) Advanced Degree via PERM | ✗ | ✗ | Backlogged | $8,000–$20,000 |
Wait times reflect the Visa Bulletin and change monthly. Attorney fee ranges are market estimates. Consult an immigration attorney for a strategy tailored to your case.
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