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Writer's pictureMurtaz Navsariwala

EB1-A and EB2-NIW visas: a strategic alternative for skilled professionals

The dependence on a job offer has frustrated many professionals dreaming of building a career in the United States.


Immigration processes involving employer sponsorship, such as the EB-3 visa, have faced significant delays, leaving thousands stuck in long waiting lines.


This situation has led highly qualified workers to seek more efficient and independent alternatives, such as the EB1-A and EB2-NIW visas. These options eliminate the need for sponsorship and offer greater freedom when planning a life in the U.S.


In this article, we’ll explain why the EB1-A and EB2-NIW visas are excellent alternatives for those with the right qualifications. Discover how these categories can transform your immigration journey!




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Why are sponsored visas taking so long?


In recent years, immigration application numbers in the United States have grown significantly. This high demand is linked to factors such as:


  • Delays at the Department of Labor (DOL): Labor certification processes required for categories like EB-3 can take months or even years to complete;

  • Pandemic impacts: Service interruptions and reduced processing capacity created a backlog of applications that the government is still trying to resolve;

  • Intense competition: High-demand sectors, such as technology and healthcare, have increased the search for sponsored visas, overburdening the system even further.


Additionally, the post-pandemic surge in applications has been fueled by people seeking better quality of life for their families. However, the rise of less experienced firms and agencies offering visa sponsorship services without proper expertise has complicated the market and immigration system, causing further delays.


As a result, many serious and qualified professionals are trapped in contracts or endless processes, unable to move forward with their life and career plans.



The solution: EB1-A and EB2-NIW visas without job offers


In light of this situation, visas like EB1-A (for professionals with extraordinary abilities) and EB2-NIW (which waives sponsorship by proving national interest) have become increasingly popular among highly qualified workers.


These categories are attractive because they offer:


  • Professional independence: No immediate employer sponsorship is required;

  • Faster processing: Without the labor certification step, timelines can be shorter;

  • Immigration security: They reduce the risks of relying solely on an employer for legal status.



Why are EB1-A and EB2-NIW visas in high demand?


Between 2019 and 2023, petitions for the EB1-A visa grew by 75%, reflecting a sharp increase in demand for more efficient and reliable alternatives. Professionals in fields such as technology, healthcare, sciences, arts, and even marketing and design are finding in the EB1-A and EB2-NIW visas the opportunity to transform their careers in the U.S.


This shift highlights a more dynamic market, where workers seek options that allow them to seize opportunities without being limited by the constraints of sponsored processes.



Who can qualify for EB1-A and EB2-NIW visas?


Both visas cater to qualified professionals but have specific criteria:


EB1-A: Extraordinary Abilities


This visa is designed for individuals who have demonstrated a high level of excellence in their field. To qualify, applicants must provide evidence of significant recognition, such as:


  • Major awards: Receiving national or international awards of distinction in your field;

  • Proven impact: Original contributions of significant importance in your area of expertise;

  • Professional recognition: Publications, work cited in scientific journals, or invitations to judge others’ work in the field;

  • Membership in prestigious organizations: Exclusive associations requiring extraordinary achievements for admission.


Applicants must meet at least three of the ten criteria outlined for EB1-A. The focus is on proving that the professional is among the best in their field and that their presence will benefit the U.S.



EB2-NIW: National Interest Waiver


This visa is ideal for qualified professionals whose projects or careers positively impact the national interest of the U.S. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate:


  • Their skills or projects provide substantial benefits to the U.S.;

  • Their work is unique or differentiated enough to justify waiving a job offer;

  • Their immigration will bring advantages to the country, such as advancements in health, science, technology, environment, or other strategic sectors.


Unlike EB1-A, EB2-NIW does not require being at the absolute top of your field. However, it is essential to present a strong case highlighting the relevance of your work.







Why choose the U.S.?


The United States remains the number one destination for professionals seeking quality of life and growth opportunities.


With a robust economy, modern infrastructure, and a culture that values innovation, the country offers the ideal environment for building a prosperous career. Additionally, qualified professionals are highly valued and have the opportunity to enjoy benefits that make immigration a valuable investment for the future.


At Murtaz Law, our mission is to turn your dream of living and working in the U.S. into reality.


With an experienced team, we thoroughly analyze your profile to identify the best immigration strategies, such as EB1-A and EB2-NIW visas. We work alongside you to build a strong case, significantly increasing your chances of success.


Contact us today and discover how to achieve your new life in the U.S. with the support of specialists who understand the value of your potential!



About Murtaz Law


With more than a decade of experience, we take pride in guiding families and individuals on their journey to legally immigrate to the USA, whether temporarily or permanently.

 

Our success story spans a variety of cases, including temporary immigration, family reunification, naturalization, and especially, work visas like the EB2-NIW, which leads to the Green Card. Over the years, we have built a solid reputation and become a reference for skilled professionals, artists, and elite athletes who wish to expand their careers or undertake ventures in the USA.

 

Our 99.5% approval rate in cases demonstrates our commitment to a personalized approach, combining ethics, creativity, and deep knowledge of the laws and economic issues. We recognize that each client has a unique story and work side by side, individually, to create tailored strategies that achieve the desired outcomes. We take the importance of our work in our clients' lives seriously. Your future deserves a unique strategy, and we at Murtaz Law have the experience and expertise to meet your immigration needs.

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