The EB2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) is a popular green card category for highly skilled professionals — especially researchers, scientists, engineers, public health workers, and entrepreneurs. One of the most common questions applicants ask is: “How long does the EB2 NIW process take?” The answer in 2025 depends on several factors, including your location, filing strategy, and whether you opt for premium processing.
What Is EB2 NIW?
The EB2 NIW allows individuals with an advanced degree or exceptional ability to apply for a green card without employer sponsorship. The “National Interest Waiver” means you’re asking the U.S. government to waive the job offer and labor certification requirement because your work benefits the nation.
Total Processing Time in 2025
In 2025, the typical total EB2 NIW green card process takes between 10 to 18 months, depending on your case specifics. Here’s the breakdown:
1. Form I-140 (Petition for Immigrant Worker)
1. Without Premium Processing: 8–12 months
2. With Premium Processing: 15 calendar days
As of 2023 and continuing into 2025, premium processing is available for EB2 NIW I-140 filings.
2. Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status)
1. After your I-140 is approved and your priority date is current (check Visa Bulletin):
2. Processing Time: 6–10 months
3. Includes biometrics and USCIS interview in many cases
If you’re eligible, you can file I-140 and I-485 concurrently to speed things up.
Concurrent Filing: Save Time If Eligible
If your priority date is current (check the monthly Visa Bulletin), you may file both I-140 and I-485 at the same time. This is called concurrent filing and can shorten your total processing time to about 10–12 months if no complications arise.
Premium Processing Option
In 2025, USCIS continues to offer premium processing for EB2 NIW applicants. For a fee (currently $2,805), USCIS will respond to your I-140 petition within 15 calendar days — either with an approval, denial, or Request for Evidence (RFE).
This dramatically speeds up the process, especially for applicants already in the U.S. on F-1, H-1B, or other valid visas.
Factors That Can Affect Your Timeline
Several factors may speed up or slow down your EB2 NIW case:
1. Whether you file with premium processing
2. Your USCIS service center (some are faster than others)
3. Your country of birth (due to visa bulletin priority dates)
4. Whether your application triggers an RFE
5. If you file I-485 concurrently or wait for I-140 approval
6. Whether you’re applying inside or outside the U.S.
For Indian and Chinese applicants, priority date retrogression may delay the I-485 stage.
Want a Faster and Stronger Petition?
At HELPINGREENCARD, we help professionals build strong EB2 NIW cases with:
1. Detailed eligibility evaluation
2. Custom evidence planning
3. Expert recommendation letter drafting
4. Full petition preparation with USCIS formatting
5. Optional guidance for concurrent filing and premium processing
Reach out today for support:
Phone: +91 83052 33223
Email: helpingreencard@gmail.com
Website: www.helpingreencard.com
