The safest approach is to submit a complete I-140 package all at once. In the EB-2 NIW, gathering all documentation from the start helps the officer evaluate the full picture of your case and makes the petition more robust.
Submitting documents in stages tends to bring more risks than benefits. Gaps or inconsistencies noticed during review can trigger a request for evidence (RFE) or raise doubts about the consistency of the record, which tends to extend the process.
Assembling a complete package requires more time and planning upfront, so it is worth carefully mapping which documents support the merit and national importance of your work and organizing them in a clear and coherent way.
- Prefer a complete, well-structured submission.
- Partial documentation increases the risk of an RFE and delays.
- Rely on official sources and be wary of promises of guaranteed outcomes.
Since requirements may be updated, it is advisable to confirm current guidance with USCIS and, when in doubt, seek the support of a trusted professional to review the package before filing.
Learn more about EB-2 NIW
- Category
- EB-2 NIW Green Card
- Self-petition
- Allowed (no sponsor needed)
- PERM
- Waived
- Processing
- 12-36 months
About the author
Victoria Harper
Editor-in-Chief
As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.