USA EB-2 NIW R&D Program

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EB-2 NIW R&D

USA EB-2 NIW R&D Program: The fast-track immigration pathway for accomplished entrepreneurs

 

The EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) R&D Program is a fast-track immigration pathway designed for accomplished entrepreneurs and businesspeople. It provides a route to obtain a Green Card (permanent residency) in the United States for the applicant and their family members, including a spouse and children under 21 years of age.

This program is unique because it waives the job offer and labor certification requirements typically associated with employment-based visas, allowing applicants to self-petition if their work is deemed to be in the national interest of the United States.

Key Benefits of the USA EB-2 NIW R&D Program

  • Fast processing times compared to other immigration programs
  • No employer sponsorship required
  • Unconditional Green Card for the applicant and family members
  • Right to live, work, and study anywhere in the USA
  • No language requirements
  • Path to US citizenship after 5 years of residence
  • Access to high-quality health services and education
  • Opportunity to contribute to and benefit from the US economy and innovation ecosystem

Advantages Over Other Immigration Programs

  • Lower investment requirement compared to EB-5 ($250,000-$300,000 vs. $800,000 or $1.05 million)
  • No job creation requirements
  • More flexibility in terms of business location and industry
  • Focus on innovation and research, aligning with US national interests

Family Benefits

  • Spouses and children under 21 receive Green Cards
  • Family members have the right to live, work, and study in the US
  • Access to public education and healthcare systems

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the EB-2 NIW R&D Program, applicants must:

  • Hold at least a bachelor’s degree
  • Have a minimum of five years of experience directly related to their bachelor’s degree
  • Demonstrate documented business success as an entrepreneur or high-level business executive
  • Propose a project with substantial merit and national importance
  • Be well-positioned to advance the proposed endeavor

Investment and R&D Criteria

  • Minimum investment of $250,000-$300,000
  • At least $30,000-$75,000 must be allocated for Research and Development (R&D)
  • R&D must be supported by government-backed U.S. research facilities
  • Applicant must secure commitments from a business incubator and U.S. agencies

R&D Focus and Requirements

  • R&D must be in a field of substantial merit and national importance
  • The project should demonstrate potential for advancing the applicant’s field or industry
  • STEM fields are often viewed favorably by USCIS

Partnering with Research Entities

  • Applicants must develop their R&D plan with a leading research entity
  • Partnerships with government-backed U.S. research facilities are required
  • Collaboration with business incubators to support R&D efforts

Processing Times and Fast-Track Options

  • With premium processing, applicants can receive a decision within 45 days
  • Some cases have reported responses in as little as 7-13 days
  • Regular processing times may vary but are generally faster than other immigration programs

Path to Permanent Residency and Citizenship

  • Upon approval, applicants receive an unconditional Green Card
  • Permanent residency allows for continuous stay in the US
  • Eligibility for US citizenship after 5 years of residence as a Green Card holder

How to Get Started

1. Assess your qualifications and eligibility

  • Contact Amir Ismail & Associates team to allow us to:
    • Evaluate your educational background to ensure you meet the minimum requirement of a bachelor’s degree.
    • Review your professional experience to confirm you have at least five years of experience directly related to your degree.
    • Assess your achievements, publications, patents, and other contributions to your field.
    • Consider how your proposed work aligns with U.S. national interests and how you can demonstrate its substantial merit and national importance.
    • Evaluate your financial capacity to meet the investment requirements ($250,000-$300,000, with $30,000-$75,000 for R&D).

3.  Initial consultations with Amir Ismail & Associates

  • If you are found eligible, we will:
      • Schedule initial consultations
      • Answer your questions about your specific situation and the application process.
      • Discuss your qualifications and proposed project to get a preliminary assessment of your eligibility.
      • Discuss our success rate, processing times, and additional support we offer (e.g., business plan development, and R&D partnerships).

4. Begin gathering the necessary documentation

  • Once we are on board, we will advise you to:
      • Collect all educational certificates and transcripts.
      • Compile a detailed resume or CV highlighting your professional experience and achievements.
      • Gather evidence of your expertise, such as published articles, conference presentations, or patents.
      • Collect letters of recommendation from experts in your field who can attest to your abilities and the importance of your work.
      • Prepare financial documents to prove the source and availability of your investment funds.
      • Obtain police clearance certificates from countries where you’ve lived.
      • Gather personal documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates (if applicable), and passport copies.

5. Develop R&D plan and secure partnerships

  • The next step for our team of experts will be to:
      • Research potential U.S. research facilities and business incubators that align with your project.
      • Reach out to these entities to discuss potential collaborations and secure commitments.
      • Begin developing a detailed R&D plan in partnership with a leading research entity.

6. Start the application process

  • The next step for our team will be to:
      • Begin preparing your EB-2 NIW petition (Form I-140).
      • Draft a compelling personal statement that outlines your qualifications and the national importance of your work.
      • Collaborate with you to assemble a strong evidence package that supports your eligibility and the merits of your application.

7. Prepare for  interview

Although interviews are rare for EB-2 NIW cases, we will prepare you for this possibility by reviewing your application thoroughly.

8. Legal Assistance and Support

Throughout the process, we work with experienced US immigration lawyers and seek assistance from authorized program providers. We also utilize support services for business plan development and R&D partnerships

Program Fees and Costs

Take into consideration the following costs:

  • Investment requirement: $250,000-$300,000
  • R&D allocation: $30,000-$75,000
  • Legal fees for immigration application
  • Program provider fees
  • USCIS filing fees

Questions about your eligibility? Share your LinkedIn profile with our team at info@amirismail.com to get started with an initial review.

Interested in EB-2 NIW for Skilled Professionals instead? Read details here.

 

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