EB-2 United States Startup Investment Program

EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) for Startup Entrepreneurs

What is EB-2?

EB-2 refers to a second preference employment-based immigrant visa in the United States, available to individuals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities in certain fields, potentially leading to permanent residency (a Green Card). 

For certain EB-2 cases, a “national interest waiver” (NIW) may be available, allowing individuals to petition for a Green Card without a job offer or labor certification, if their work is deemed to be in the national interest. 

Eligibility

Hold a Master’s degree or higher.

Have a minimum of 5 years (typically 10 years or more) of practical and research experience directly related to the degree field.

As an entrepreneur or senior executive, provide documented business and career references.

Documentation demonstrating qualifications such as certifications or licenses relevant to the profession.

What is NIW?

NIW stands for National Interest Waiver. It is a provision that allows individuals to apply for a green card without the sponsorship of an employer, if their activities are deemed to be in the national interest of the United States.

  • It is a mechanism for obtaining employment-based permanent residency without the need for an employer sponsor, subject to qualification assessment.
  • This category is particularly relevant for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) professionals and entrepreneurs/businesspersons.
  • It reflects the Biden administration's intention to attract top talent from abroad and its pro-immigration stance.
  • It offers a pathway for individuals to obtain US permanent residency based on their own merit.

EB-2 NIW Premium Processing

NIW adjudication results that traditionally took 6 months to 1year now received in just 45 days. Within a maximum of 45 days after receiving RFE (Request for Evidence)
Forming a business team (up to 5 memebrs)
Submitting a business plan
Approval of the Letter of Support
Incorporation and Permanent Residency Application
U.S. Start-Up Investment Program

Key Features of The EB-2 NIW

First introduced domestically in South Korea! Linked with US government- affiliated research institutions and government-certified investment agencies.

Suitable for independent immigration of highly educated individuals, experienced professionals, executives, senior officials, specialists, CEOs, entrepreneurs, and businesspersons.

Utilization of the address of US government-affiliated research institutions as the headquarters for startups.

Minimization of actual management involvement.

Why choose EB-2 NIW Startup

EB-5 Regional Center
EB2 NIW Startup
Costs
Minimum investment of $900,000 in rural areas and $1.8 million in urban areas.
Approximately one-third of EB5.
Business Investment Field
Minimum investment of $900,000 in rural areas and $1.8 million in urban areas.
Customized selection of business domains based on individual backgrounds.
Risk
Risk of investment recovery and issuance of permanent residency is borne by the individual.
Guaranteed refund if NIW application is rejected.
EB-5 Regional Center
Cost: Minimum investment of $900,000 in rural areas and $1.8 million in urban areas.
Business Investment Field: Requirement for domestic employment history and relevance; investment in established projects.
Risk: Risk of investment recovery and issuance of permanent residency is borne by the individual.
EB-2 NIW Startup
Cost: Approximately one-third of EB5.
Business Investment Field: Customized selection of business domains based on individual backgrounds.
Risk: Guaranteed refund if NIW application is rejected.

EB2 Startup Investment Green Card Process

Estimated time from application submission to receiving permanent residency: Approximately 1 year.

Contract with Investment Institution and Attorney
Research and Development (R&D) and Business Plan Preparation
Approval of Investment Support Confirmation
EB2 NIW & Green Card Application
Corporate Operation
Approval of Permanent Residency

Based on current statistics, the process typically takes less than 1 year.

Learn more about the U.S. startup program?

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