How long does EB-2 NIW take?
The employment-based second preference (EB2) National Interest Waiver (NIW) green card is a popular option for foreign nationals who possess exceptional abilities or advanced degrees and want to pursue permanent residency in the United States. In this article, we will discuss the estimated timeline for the EB2 NIW green card petition in 2023.
The EB2 NIW green card process involves several steps, including filing the I-140 form and the I-485 form, and attending a biometrics appointment and an interview. The processing time for each of these steps can vary, and the overall timeline can be affected by USCIS’s workload and backlog.
Let’s break down the estimated timeline for each step:
- Filing the I-140 form: The first step in the EB2 NIW green card petition process is to file the I-140 form, which is a petition for alien workers. The processing time for the I-140 form can take anywhere from 6 to 8 months. However, premium processing can expedite the process to 15 calendar days for an additional fee.
- Filing the I-485 form: The next step in the EB2 NIW green card petition process is to file the I-485 form, which is an application to adjust status to permanent resident. The processing time for the I-485 form can take anywhere from 8 to 14 months.
- Biometrics appointment: After filing the I-485 form, USCIS will schedule a biometrics appointment for the applicant to provide their fingerprints, photograph, and signature. The processing time for the biometrics appointment is typically 2 to 4 weeks.
- Interview: Finally, USCIS may schedule an interview for the applicant. The interview can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months after filing the I-485 form.
Overall, the estimated timeline for the EB2 NIW green card petition in 2023 is between 18 to 28 months. However, it’s important to note that USCIS processing times can change, and delays can occur due to various reasons such as security checks or administrative errors.
Check current processing time on the official USCIS website: Processing times
- Select “I-140”
- In form category select: “Advanced degree or exceptional ability requesting a National Interest Waiver”
- In field office select: “Texas” or “Nebraska”
The official USCIS note states: “The processing time displayed on the USCIS website is the amount of time it took us to complete 80% of adjudicated cases over the last six months. Processing time is defined as the number of days (or months) that have elapsed between the date USCIS received an application, petition, or request and the date USCIS completed the application, petition, or request (that is, approved or denied it) in a given six-month period.”
So keep in mind it is only an estimate published with a 6 months delay!
In addition, USCIS has faced a significant backlog due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused delays in the processing of immigration applications. However, the situation is improving, and USCIS has announced plans to expedite processing times by hiring additional staff and increasing resources.
In conclusion, the estimated timeline for the EB2 NIW green card petition in 2023 is subject to change due to USCIS’s workload and backlog. However, by preparing well and staying up-to-date with USCIS’s processing times, applicants can increase their chances of a successful outcome.
