Green cards for top talent: EB-1A and EB-2 NIW

Outstanding professionals, researchers, doctors, engineers and entrepreneurs can apply for a US green card with no job offer and no employer: EB-1A for "extraordinary ability" and EB-2 NIW for work in the US national interest. These are among the most popular routes for Turkish and Georgian professionals.

Comparison

The three NIW prongs (Matter of Dhanasar)

1. Your proposed work has substantial merit and national importance.
2. You are well positioned to advance it (record, plan, progress).
3. On balance, waiving the job offer benefits the US.

Steps

1. Assess your record and choose EB-1A or NIW
2. Build the file: recommendation letters, publications, citations, a work plan
3. File the I-140 (with or without premium processing)
4. Once approved and current, interview at the consulate in your country of nationality or residence (or adjust status inside the US)

If you hold an Iranian passport

I-140 approval is possible, but immigrant visa issuance at consulates has been suspended for Iranian passports since 1 January 2026. Iranians inside the US or with a second nationality are in a different position. Details

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a job offer for an NIW?

No. The whole point of the NIW is to waive the job offer, and you file for yourself.

How many criteria does EB-1A require?

At least 3 of the 10 regulatory criteria, followed by an overall review showing you are at the top of your field.

What is the NIW visa queue in October 2026?

For "rest of world" the final action date is 1 January 2025, so people who filed before that date are current.

Based on the October 2026 Visa Bulletin and the March 2026 fees; the visa queue changes every month.