NIW by Profession

EB-2 NIW for Entrepreneurs & Founders

Founders can self-petition for a green card through EB-2 NIW, without the large investment EB-5 requires. Self-employment can even strengthen the argument for waiving the job offer. The key is a credible business plan tied to a national need.

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$0

Minimum investment required

0

Employer sponsor needed

45

Business days with premium processing

One Firm, Every U.S. Pathway

Case strategy, evidence and filing support from profile review to final decision.

Overview

Why NIW works for founders

EB-2 NIW lets an entrepreneur obtain a green card based on the national importance of their venture, without EB-5's investment threshold.

USCIS guidance recognizes that self-employment can make the labor certification process impractical, which supports the third Dhanasar prong.

What matters is a specific venture addressing a U.S. need, a credible plan, and evidence the founder can execute it: experience, traction, funding or partnerships.

Eligibility

Who qualifies for EB2NIW for Entrepreneurs?

These are the core requirements USCIS or the U.S. consulate will look for. We review every one of them with you before anything is filed.

  • An EB-2 basis: advanced degree, bachelor's + 5 years, or exceptional ability
  • A specific proposed endeavor in your field with national importance
  • Evidence you are well positioned: track record, results and plans
  • A clear argument why waiving the job offer benefits the U.S.
  • 4 to 7 recommendation letters describing specific contributions
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Key Benefits

Why choose EB2NIW for Entrepreneurs?

01

No employer sponsor

Self-petition based on your own work, with no job offer required.

02

Field-specific strategy

We frame your endeavor the way officers expect in your field.

03

Stronger evidence

We know which evidence carries the most weight for your profession.

04

Career freedom

Change employers or start your own venture after approval.

05

Family included

Your spouse and children under 21 receive green cards too.

06

Apply from anywhere

File from abroad or from inside the U.S.

How It Works

How the EB2NIW for Entrepreneurs process works

A clear, step-by-step process with one team guiding you from your first assessment to the final decision.

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1. Free profile assessment

We review your CV and achievements against EB-2 and Dhanasar.

2. Define your endeavor

We shape a specific, U.S.-focused endeavor for your field.

3. Gather field evidence

We identify the evidence that matters most for your profession.

4. Letters and petition

Recommendation letters and a petition letter argue each prong.

5. File and follow through

I-140 filing, any RFE response, and the final green card stage.

1 min read

This guide applies our EB-2 NIW guide to one field. It shows the kinds of proposed endeavors that work, the evidence officers weigh most, and the mistakes to avoid.

What proposed endeavors work for entrepreneurs?

Quick answer

Strong founder endeavors describe a specific venture solving a documented U.S. problem, with a credible path to growth and impact.

01

Health technology

A platform improving access to care or diagnostics for U.S. patients.

02

Clean energy

A company deploying solar, storage or efficiency solutions in U.S. markets.

03

Supply chain

Technology that strengthens U.S. manufacturing or logistics resilience.

04

Fintech

Financial products expanding access for underserved U.S. communities.

What evidence carries the most weight?

Quick answer

Officers weigh the business plan, the founder's track record, traction and third-party validation of the venture.

  • Detailed business plan with financial projections
  • Track record founding or scaling companies
  • Funding, investment or accelerator acceptance
  • Customers, contracts, pilots or letters of intent
  • Patents or proprietary technology
  • Letters from investors, partners and industry experts
See how your profile scores

Upload your CV for a free, field-specific NIW assessment.

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What are the common pitfalls?

Quick answer

Founder cases stumble when the plan is generic or the impact is purely commercial with no national dimension.

  • A business plan with no link to a U.S. national need
  • Projections without evidence of traction
  • No proof the founder can execute
  • Impact limited to one local market
  • Confusing NIW with an investor visa

What does a strong case look like?

Quick answer

Here is an illustrative example of how a strong case in this field is framed. It is a composite for explanation, not a specific client.

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Illustrative example: A founder with an MBA and 10 years in logistics proposed scaling a software platform that reduces cold-chain spoilage for U.S. food distributors. Evidence included a detailed business plan, two U.S. pilot contracts, a seed investment, USDA data on food loss, and letters from a distributor, an investor and an independent supply-chain professor.

For the full legal standard, see our EB-2 NIW eligibility guide, or return to the NIW by profession hub.

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Official sources

Written by

Syed Muhammad Shamuel Shees

Founder and Lead Immigration Consultant

Phoenix Immigration Consulting Services LLC is an immigration consulting firm, not a law firm, and does not provide legal advice. Information on this page is general and may change; always confirm current rules on uscis.gov and travel.state.gov. Filing a petition or application does not guarantee approval.

Worth comparing

Could EB-2 NIW Be a Better Fit?

If you have an advanced degree or strong professional experience, the EB-2 National Interest Waiver can lead straight to a green card, with no employer sponsor and no lottery. Many of our clients file NIW alongside, or instead of, a temporary visa.

Explore EB-2 NIW Free NIW Assessment
  • No job offer or employer sponsor
  • No lottery and no labor certification
  • Permanent residence, not a temporary visa
  • Spouse and children under 21 included
FAQ

EB-2 NIW for Entrepreneurs: Questions

Can entrepreneurs get a green card through NIW?

Yes. Founders qualify when their venture addresses a nationally important need and they show the ability to build it.

Do I need to invest money for EB-2 NIW?

No. NIW has no investment requirement, unlike EB-5. Funding is useful evidence but not a legal requirement.

Is a business plan required for an entrepreneur NIW?

It is not mandatory by law, but for founders it is usually the central piece of evidence.

Can I use NIW after an E-2 visa?

Yes. Many E-2 investors later pursue a green card through EB-2 NIW based on their business endeavor.

Start Your U.S. Immigration Journey

Book a consultation or send your CV for a free profile assessment. We'll map out your best U.S. visa or green card options.

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