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EB-2 NIW assessment · Meritocrat Case Studio

EB-2 NIW assessment: test your case against the Dhanasar framework

Check your proposed endeavor and your evidence against the three prongs USCIS uses for a National Interest Waiver, and see what to strengthen before you file.

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Preparation tool, not legal advice. AI outputs require your review.

Who the EB-2 NIW is for

The EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) is for people with an advanced degree (a U.S. master's or higher, or a bachelor's plus five years of progressive experience, or foreign equivalents) or exceptional ability. The waiver removes the job offer and labor certification requirement, so you can self-petition on Form I-140.

What USCIS looks for in an NIW petition

Under Matter of Dhanasar, USCIS may grant a national interest waiver if you show all three of the following:

  1. Substantial merit and national importanceYour proposed endeavor has both substantial merit and national importance.
  2. Well positionedYou are well positioned to advance the proposed endeavor.
  3. Beneficial to waiveOn balance, it would be beneficial to the United States to waive the job offer and labor certification requirements.

You also need to qualify for EB-2 itself. If you rely on exceptional ability rather than an advanced degree, you generally need at least three of six types of evidence, such as an academic record in the field, ten years of full-time experience, a license, a high salary, professional memberships, or recognition from peers, government, or professional organizations.

How the EB-2 NIW assessment works

  1. Complete your context

    Tell Case Studio about your field, background, and achievements so the workspace reflects your situation.

  2. Choose the prongs and qualifying criteria you plan to pursue

    Add or remove prongs and qualifying criteria based on the evidence you have or can realistically build.

  3. Review your readiness

    See which parts of your case look well supported and where evidence is thin, so you know what to strengthen first. Readiness is a preparation indicator, not an approval probability.

  4. Keep building in Case Studio

    Move on to Discover, Research, Analyze, Draft, and Strategy to connect documents to claims and develop your petition with human review.

  • Evidence connected to each claim
  • You review and approve
  • Human review stays in the loop

EB-2 NIW assessment FAQ

Do I need a job offer for an EB-2 NIW?

No. The national interest waiver removes the job offer and labor certification requirement, so you can self-petition on Form I-140.

What is the difference between EB-2 NIW and EB-1A?

EB-1A requires extraordinary ability shown through sustained acclaim and the regulatory criteria. EB-2 NIW requires an advanced degree or exceptional ability and focuses on your proposed endeavor under the three Dhanasar prongs. Many applicants assess both before choosing a path with their attorney.

Does the readiness score predict whether my petition will be approved?

No. The readiness score reflects how complete and well supported your preparation appears based on the information in your workspace. It is not an approval probability and does not predict a USCIS decision.

Is this legal advice?

No. Meritocrat is a preparation tool, not a law firm, and does not provide legal advice or representation. AI outputs require your review. For legal advice, consult qualified immigration counsel.

What does it cost?

The assessment is the first stage of Case Studio. Get Case Studio for $499 as one of our first 50 users. Regular pricing is $999 per case. No monthly or annual subscription.

Related reading

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See where your EB-2 NIW case stands.

Start with the assessment, then keep building your case in one connected workspace.

Start your EB-2 NIW assessment

Meritocrat is a preparation tool, not a law firm, and does not replace qualified legal counsel. AI outputs require your review. Readiness scores are preparation indicators, not approval probabilities.