What is ‘self-petition’ in the EB-2 NIW?

In the context of the EB-2 NIW, self-petition is the ability of the applicant to file the green card petition directly, without needing an employer to sponsor them. Unlike visa categories that require a formal job offer, here the applicant petitions on their own behalf.

This pathway rests on the idea that certain professionals, given the relevance and reach of their work, can contribute to the national interest of the United States without being tied to a single employer. For this reason, the EB-2 NIW allows applicants to request a waiver of the job offer and labor certification that are normally required.

• The applicant themselves is the petitioner, with no sponsor.
• The petition is based on the merit and national importance of the work.
• It requires careful documentation demonstrating that impact.

Because eligibility criteria are assessed on a case-by-case basis by the relevant authority, it is worth reviewing the current requirements and evaluating your profile with a trusted specialist before filing.

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.