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🇺🇸 United States

United States Permanent Residency: requirements and how to apply

Self-petitioned permanent residency Green Card bypassing employer sponsorship and PERM labor certification.

Official United States permanent residency page

EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW)

Self-petitioned permanent residency Green Card bypassing employer sponsorship and PERM labor certification.

Typical duration
Indefinite (10-year Green Card)
Path to permanent residency
Immediate permanent residency

Main requirements

  • Advanced degree or exceptional ability
  • Proposed endeavor of substantial merit and national importance

Official page

Documents usually needed for United States

  • Approved USCIS Form I-129 (for non-immigrant worker) or Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition)
  • Labor Certification (PERM) via Department of Labor (unless waived via EB-1 or EB-2 NIW)
  • Consular DS-160 (Non-immigrant) or DS-260 (Immigrant) and consular interview appointment
  • Certified academic degree evaluations and letters of experience
  • Passport valid for at least 6 months and a compliant photo (make yours here)

Application steps

  1. 1

    Petition Filing with USCIS

    Employer or applicant files Form I-129 or I-140 petition with evidence of specialty occupation or extraordinary ability.

    15 calendar days (Premium Processing) to 6 months

  2. 2

    Consular Processing & DS-160 / DS-260

    Upon USCIS approval notice (Form I-797), submit consular application and schedule interview.

    2 - 8 weeks

  3. 3

    Adjustment of Status (I-485) or Entry

    Enter the US on approved immigrant visa or adjust status to Permanent Resident Green Card holder.

    6 - 18 months

Other ways to move to United States

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Find a licensed adviser

For advice on your own case, use a licensed immigration lawyer or adviser. Always check they are registered before you pay anyone. Imiatlas does not refer or review cases.

General information to help you research, not legal advice. Rules change often: always confirm with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) & Dept of State on the official website before applying.