The EB-2 United States Startup Investment Program
EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) for Startup Entrepreneurs
The EB-2 United States Startup Investment Program is a streamlined immigration pathway designed for accomplished entrepreneurs. It empowers entrepreneurs to establish startups focused on technology development that aligns with US national interests. These startups must be certified by reputable investment institutions and commit to research support from government-affiliated R&D institutions.
This program provides a unique immigration opportunity at a lower cost compared to other US investment immigration routes such as the EB-5, which typically require investments exceeding $800,000. By obtaining certification for technology development support from leading research institutions in the United States,this program offers a cost-effective immigration pathway.
Furthermore, the program ensures a prompt and assured acquisition of US permanent residency for both investors and their family members.
Advantages of the EB-2 NIW United States Startup Investment Program
What is EB-2?
EB-2 refers to the second preference immigrant category under the United States
immigration law. It is a green card category based on employment, typically sponsored
by an employer.
Here's an overview of the US immigration application categories:
EB-2 refers to the second preference immigrant category under the United States
immigration law. It is a green card category based on employment, typically sponsored
by an employer.
U.S. Immigrant Categories
EB-1
EB-2
EB-3
EB-4
EB-5
| U.S. Immigrant Categories | Applicants | Details |
|---|---|---|
|
EB-1 |
Priority Workers |
Individuals with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors and researchers,
multinational managers and executives. |
|
EB-2 |
Professionals with Advanced Degrees or Persons with Exceptional Ability |
Individuals with advanced degrees, exceptional abilities in the fields of science, arts, or
business, or qualified physicians. |
|
EB-3 |
Skilled Workers and Professionals / Unskilled Workers (Other Workers) |
Skilled workers with at least two years of experience, professionals with a bachelor’s degree, and unskilled workers (such as farmworkers). |
|
EB-4 |
Special Immigrants |
Religious workers, certain special immigrant categories, employees of international organizations. |
|
EB-5 |
Immigrant Investors |
Investors who invest at least $900,000 (primarily in targeted employment areas, often rural areas) and create employment for at least 10 US workers for a minimum of two years, leading to green card issuance. |
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.
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.
The key lies in providing concrete evidence that demonstrates one's achievements and persuades adjudicators of how the applicant's abilities would benefit the national interest of the United States.
For entrepreneurs, preparing documents can be relatively challenging compared to high-tech engineers, who find it easier to quantify their achievements, as entrepreneurs often hold papers, patents, and the like.
Introduced since January 30, 2023,EB-2 NIW Premium Processing!
A measure reflecting the Biden administration's pro-immigration stance, allowing expedited processing ($2,500) with NIW adjudication results that traditionally took 6 months to 1year now received in just 45 days.
Within a maximum of 45 days after filing:
Receipt Notice
Within a maximum of 45 days after receiving RFE (Request for Evidence)
Step 1
Submission of I-140 Petition
Step 2
Adjudication in Process
Step 3
Additional Document Request (RFE)
(optional)
Step 4
Final Approval
Eligibility Requirements
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.
KEY FEATURES OF THE EB2 NIW
U.S. STARTUP INVESTMENT PROGRAM
KEY FEATURES OF THE EB2 NIW
U.S. STARTUP INVESTMENT PROGRAM
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.
Minimization of actual management involvement.
Utilization of the address of US government-affiliated research institutions as the headquarters for startups.
EB2 NIW Startup
VS
EB5 Regional Center
• Approximately one-third of EB5.
• Customized selection of business domains based on individual backgrounds.
• Guaranteed refund if NIW application is rejected.
Cost
Business Investment Field
Risk
• Minimum investment of $900,000 in rural areas and $1.8 million in urban areas.
• Requirement for domestic employment history and relevance; investment in established projects.
• Risk of investment recovery and issuance of permanent residency is borne by the individual.
EB2 Startup Investment Green Card Process
Estimated time from application submission to receiving permanent residency: Approximately 1 year.
Step 1
Contract with Investment Institution and Attorney
Step 2
Research and Development (R&D) and Business Plan Preparation
Step 3
Approval of Investment Support Confirmation
Step 4
EB2 NIW & Green Card Application
Step 5
Corporate Operation
Step 6
Approval of Permanent Residency