Two Steps to YourGreen Card
Every employment-based green card follows the same simple path: Petition → Application
Petition Phase
Form I-140
Prove you qualify for a green card category
Application Phase
I-485 or DS-260
Convert your approval into a green card
Which Path Is Right for You?
Answer one question to find your best option
I want independence
File your own petition without relying on an employer. Best for those with strong credentials.
My employer will sponsor
Your employer files on your behalf. Standard path for most employment-based immigration.
Typical Timelines
From filing to green card approval
Why Self-Petition?
Control your own immigration journey. No employer sponsorship, no job offers, no waiting for someone else.
Recommended Self-Petition Paths
EB-1A
Extraordinary Ability
You're at the top of your field
- No employer needed
- Current priority date
- Premium processing: ~15 days
- Apply from anywhere
Best for: Award winners, researchers, executives, artists with sustained acclaim
NIW
National Interest Waiver
Your work benefits America
- No employer needed
- Lower bar than EB-1A
- Premium processing: ~45 days
- Broad eligibility
Best for: STEM professionals, doctors, engineers, researchers, entrepreneurs
I-130
Family-Based
Sponsored by a relative
- No employer needed
- Clear requirements
- Well-established process
- Multiple categories
Best for: Spouses, children, parents, and siblings of U.S. citizens or LPRs
Not sure which path is right for you?
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EB-1A
NIW
Big Idea
For people at the very top of their field — science, arts, business, athletics, education.
For professionals whose work has clear national importance for the U.S. — STEM, healthcare, public policy, entrepreneurship, and more.
Employer sponsorship
Self-petition
Proof standard
Show you're among the best: sustained acclaim, awards, press, publications, measurable impact.
Show your work has merit, broad national importance, and benefits the U.S. if the job offer is waived.
Processing speed
Who usually applies?
Startup founders, elite researchers, Olympic athletes, award-winning artists, top executives.
Doctors in shortage areas, PhD researchers, engineers in AI/clean energy, entrepreneurs with nationally beneficial projects.
Family benefits
Concurrent filing (Form I-485 - Application to Adjust Status)
You can usually file your Green Card Application (Form I-485) at the same time as your EB-1A petition (I-140), because visa numbers are often available right away.
You often need to wait 20–30 months after your NIW petition (I-140) is approved before filing your Green Card Application (Form I-485), since visa numbers take longer to open up.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Get expert guidance and comprehensive resources for your immigration petition.