What costs should be highlighted when preparing an EB-2 NIW package?

Preparing an EB-2 NIW package involves more than one type of cost, and planning ahead helps avoid surprises. Since official fees are revised periodically, the safest approach is to understand the expense categories and confirm each amount with the official source before filing.

The main categories typically include:

• Government fees: the immigrant petition fee and, when the applicant adjusts status within the United States, the corresponding fee for that application.
• Documentation: certified translation of documents, academic credential evaluation, and obtaining official copies.
• Professional services: attorney or consulting fees, which are optional but common and vary depending on the complexity of the case.
• Operational expenses: notarizations, apostilles, international shipping, and any expert opinions or letters.

It is worth mapping out these areas in your planning because they add up and not all of them are obvious at the start. Avoid any service that promises guaranteed results: the process depends on meeting immigration requirements, not on shortcuts.

Since official fees change over time, confirm updated amounts directly with USCIS and, if possible, build your budget with the support of a trusted professional.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

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.