Aerospace Engineers and the EB-2 NIW in the United States

The aerospace sector in the United States holds a prominent global position, generating billions of dollars annually in defense, commercial aviation, and space exploration. For Brazilian aerospace engineers and those from other countries, this reality represents a concrete opportunity to build a career in one of the most advanced markets in the world – and the EB-2 NIW visa is one of the most viable paths to permanent residency.

With a median salary of approximately $134,830 per year, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and projected growth of 6% between 2024 and 2034, aerospace engineering remains one of the most promising fields for qualified professionals who wish to legally immigrate to the United States.

In this article, we explain how the EB-2 NIW works for aerospace engineers, what the requirements are, how to demonstrate national interest, and what to consider before starting the process.

The American Aerospace Market

The United States is home to the largest global companies in aviation, defense, and space technology. The sector employs hundreds of thousands of engineers in areas such as aircraft development, satellite systems, unmanned vehicles, propulsion, advanced materials, and artificial intelligence applied to aviation.

The demand for highly qualified professionals is constant, driven both by government defense contracts and the expansion of commercial space exploration. States like California, Texas, Florida, and Washington concentrate most of the opportunities, with salaries that can exceed the national average by 15% to 30%.

For foreign professionals, the challenge is not the lack of opportunity, but obtaining the appropriate immigration status to work legally and, ideally, permanently in the country.

What is the EB-2 NIW

The EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) is a subcategory of the EB-2 visa that allows professionals to apply for a green card without the need for a specific job offer and without going through the labor certification process (PERM). This waiver is granted when the applicant demonstrates that their work serves the national interest of the United States.

The petition is filed using form I-140, with a fee of $715 to the USCIS, plus $300 for the Asylum Programme fee for self-petitioners. If the applicant chooses Premium Processing, the additional cost is $2,965, with a response time of up to 45 business days.

The EB-2 NIW follows the Matter of Dhanasar (2016) precedent, which established three fundamental criteria: the proposed endeavor must have substantial merit and national importance; the applicant must be well positioned to advance the endeavor; and it must benefit the United States to waive the job offer and labor certification requirements.

Requirements for Aerospace Engineers

To qualify for the EB-2 NIW, the aerospace engineer must demonstrate at least an advanced degree (master’s or higher) or a bachelor’s degree accompanied by at least five years of progressive experience in the field. In addition to academic qualifications, it is essential to build a solid narrative that highlights the impact of the professional’s work.

Elements that strengthen the petition include:

• Participation in highly complex technical projects, such as the development of propulsion systems, composite materials, or autonomous vehicles
• Publications in recognized scientific and technical journals in the aerospace field
• Patents or innovative solutions applied to the industry
• Recommendation letters from independent experts in the sector
• Evidence of documented economic, technological, or institutional impact
• Work in strategic programs related to defense, national security, or space exploration

The aerospace sector is particularly favorable to the national interest argument, as it directly involves security, technological competitiveness, and scientific advancement – areas that USCIS has historically recognized as being of national importance.

National Interest in the Aerospace Sector

Building the national interest case for aerospace engineers should connect the professional’s expertise to the strategic priorities of the United States. It is not enough to be a good professional – it is necessary to demonstrate that the candidate’s specific contribution goes beyond the benefits to an individual employer.

Effective arguments include contributing to the advancement of critical technologies in aviation and defense, reducing operational risks in aerospace systems, developing solutions with broad economic application, and training specialized human capital in high-demand areas. Recommendation letters play a crucial role in this process and should be written by experts who can attest, with technical knowledge, to the real impact of the candidate’s work.

Preferably, recommenders should be professionals who do not have a direct supervisory relationship or close collaboration, as USCIS values independent evaluations.

Process Costs and Timelines

The total cost of the EB-2 NIW process varies depending on the strategy adopted. For those already in the United States and able to do the Adjustment of Status (form I-485), the additional cost is $1,440. In total, considering the I-140, additional fees, and I-485, the investment in government fees ranges from $2,455 to $4,000, depending on the inclusion of dependents and Premium Processing.

The regular processing time for the I-140 can range from six to twelve months, while Premium Processing guarantees an initial response within 45 business days. After I-140 approval, the wait for visa availability depends on the Visa Bulletin and the EB-2 category priority queue.

It is important to note that, as of April 2026, the Department of State maintains a pause on issuing immigrant visas via consular processing for nationals of 75 countries, including Brazil. Professionals already in the US can proceed normally with Adjustment of Status, but those who depend on consular processing should consider this factor in their immigration planning.

Outlook for Professionals

The American aerospace market offers not only high-level career opportunities but also a favorable immigration context for professionals who can demonstrate a relevant contribution to the national interest. With proper preparation, consistent documentation, and a narrative aligned with the Dhanasar precedent criteria, the EB-2 NIW represents a viable and structured path to permanent residency in the United States.

For aerospace engineers with a history of relevant projects, technical publications, and documented impact, the chances of approval are significant – provided the process is conducted with rigor and strategic planning from the outset.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.