The cost to obtain a green card under EB2-NIW (National Interest Waiver) category consists of USCIS fees plus attorney fees. In general, USCIS fees are $1,925 plus medical examination fee. Green card under the EB2-NIW category can be self-petitioned. That is, you do not need a sponsorship from your employer to file the immigration petition.

USCIS Fees:

Immigrant Petition

• Form I-140 filing fee: $700

Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status

• Form I-485 filing fee: $1,140
• Biometrics fee: $85
• Medical Examination fee for Form I-693: a few hundred dollars or more

As part of the Form I-485 process, you need to file Form I-693 (Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record). The filing fee for Form I-693 is free. But you need to undergo medical examinations by a doctor (civil surgeon) designated by USCIS to complete Form I-693. Medical examination fee varies by doctor. You can find those doctors at https://my.uscis.gov/findadoctor

In principle, the civil surgeon must sign the Form I-693 no more than 60 days before you file the Form I-485. However, for the period starting from Dec. 9, 2021 to Sept. 30, 2022, USCIS is temporarily waiving this 60 days requirement.

It is recommended that you undergo the medical examinations close to the time of filing of the Form I-485. This is because Form I-693 is valid for 2 years from the date of the civil surgeon’s signature. Though not required, filing Form I-693 and Form I-485 at the same time may eliminate USCIS’s need to issue RFE (Request for Evidence) to obtain Form I-693. Such concurrent filing also may help avoid delays in USCIS decision if they decide that you do not need interview.

Premium Processing for EB2-NIW based Green Card Petitions

Premium processing is not currently available for new filings for EB2-NIW based green card petitions. However, if you have a pending Form I-140 petition that USCIS received on or before June 1, 2021, you can request for premium processing service for the petition starting July 1, 2022. The request form is Form I-907, and premium processing fee is $2,500.

Attorney Fees:

Attorney fees would vary by attorney, but in general it would cost a few thousand dollars.

Disclaimers