I.
You file for yourself.
You petition on your own behalf, without an employer’s involvement.
For engineers
EB-2 NIW for engineers
If EB-1A feels just out of reach but you do not want to wait years for your employer to complete PERM labor certification, the EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) may be your best path forward. At Manifest Law, we help engineers frame their work as nationally important, and we write petitions that actually persuade.
- Flat fees with payment plans, no hourly surprises
- Ex-USCIS officer review available on every plan as an add-on service
- Live case tracking through the Manifest portal
- Self-petition support, with no employer required
/Find your path
What the EB-2 NIW is, and why engineers use it
The EB-2 NIW lets you self-petition for a Green Card by showing your work is in the U.S. national interest. There is no employer requirement and no PERM. For software engineers and data scientists, the possibilities are wide — specialists in AI, semiconductors, climate tech, cybersecurity, infrastructure, and many other fields can qualify when framed correctly.
Why engineers choose the EB-2 NIW
II.
The bar is lower than EB-1A.
You do not need to be at the top of your field — you need to show your work is nationally important and that you are well-positioned to advance it.
III.
Your family comes with you.
Once your priority date is current, your spouse and children can file for a Green Card alongside you and receive work authorization while their cases are pending.
/Do you qualify
Do you qualify for the EB-2 NIW as an engineer?
Prong 1: Substantial merit and national importance
Your proposed work is in a field that matters to the U.S. — AI, semiconductors, climate tech, cybersecurity, biotech, infrastructure, and many engineering subfields qualify. We document the field’s importance with reports from NSF, DOE, NIH, or with relevant executive orders.
Prong 2: You are well-positioned to advance the endeavor
Your education, experience, past work, and concrete plans show you can push the field forward. Patents, papers, products shipped, and a clear forward-looking plan all count.
Prong 3: It would benefit the U.S. to waive the job offer requirement
Asking you to go through PERM does not serve the national interest because of the urgency of the field, the difficulty of recruiting in the area, or the broader scope of your work.
Meet our experienced attorneys
Our immigration lawyers are more than credentialed. They are personally committed to your outcome. Only 1% of attorney applicants are selected to work with Manifest, and they bring the care, insight, and precision needed to craft complex cases at the highest level.
Jeff Joseph
IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY
30+ Years of Experience
Gregory Boult
IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY
25+ Years of Experience5,000+ Cases Filed*
Rami Lee
IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY
18+ Years of Experience5,000+ Cases Filed*
Evan J. Law
IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY
17+ Years of Experience1,300+ Cases Filed*
Ana Senior
IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY
14+ Years of Experience1,200+ Cases Filed*
Lahaina Araneta McBeth
IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY
12+ Years of Experience4,800+ Cases Filed*
Avalon L. Paul
IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY
10+ Years of Experience1,700+ Cases Filed*
Ana Gabriela Urizar
IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY
10+ Years of Experience15,000+ Cases Filed*
Amanda Mitchell
IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY
9+ Years of Experience2,500+ Cases Filed*
Nicole Gunara
PRINC. IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY
7+ Years of Experience1,700+ Cases Filed*
Henry Lindpere
IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY
5+ Years of Experience700+ Cases Filed*
Bruna Maciel Soledade
IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY
5+ Years of Experience1,150+ Cases Filed*
*Representative image - not actual Manifest lawyer or client
/Our approach
Why clients trust Manifest’s immigration lawyers
Here is what our clients get on every Manifest case.
01
Ex-USCIS officer review
Available as an add-on for Silver and Gold plans, and automatically included in the Platinum plan. An attorney with USCIS adjudication experience reviews your petition before it leaves our office.
02
Flat fees, no surprises
One price, quoted upfront on your strategy call. We do not bill by the hour, and payment plans are available.
03
Live case tracking
The Manifest portal shows every status update, every document, and your next step in real time.
04
Built for engineers
We have represented software engineers, hardware engineers, ML researchers, and infrastructure leads at startups, scale-ups, and large tech companies across the country.
05
Money-back guarantee
If conditions are met and your visa is not approved, you get a refund of all or part of your legal fees.
01
Ex-USCIS officer review
Available as an add-on for Silver and Gold plans, and automatically included in the Platinum plan. An attorney with USCIS adjudication experience reviews your petition before it leaves our office.
02
Flat fees, no surprises
One price, quoted upfront on your strategy call. We do not bill by the hour, and payment plans are available.
03
Live case tracking
The Manifest portal shows every status update, every document, and your next step in real time.
04
Built for engineers
We have represented software engineers, hardware engineers, ML researchers, and infrastructure leads at startups, scale-ups, and large tech companies across the country.
05
Money-back guarantee
If conditions are met and your visa is not approved, you get a refund of all or part of your legal fees.
01
Ex-USCIS officer review
Available as an add-on for Silver and Gold plans, and automatically included in the Platinum plan. An attorney with USCIS adjudication experience reviews your petition before it leaves our office.
02
Flat fees, no surprises
One price, quoted upfront on your strategy call. We do not bill by the hour, and payment plans are available.
03
Live case tracking
The Manifest portal shows every status update, every document, and your next step in real time.
04
Built for engineers
We have represented software engineers, hardware engineers, ML researchers, and infrastructure leads at startups, scale-ups, and large tech companies across the country.
05
Money-back guarantee
If conditions are met and your visa is not approved, you get a refund of all or part of your legal fees.
*Representative image - not actual Manifest lawyer or client
/Success stories
Helping engineers build their future in the U.S.
From EB-2 NIW self-petitions to EB-1A approvals, we’ve helped engineers across specialties — software, hardware, machine learning, and infrastructure — navigate complex Green Card pathways with confidence.
EB-2 NIW
EV Battery Engineer Self-Petitions Past a Slow PERM Timeline
Amanda Mitchell - Immigration Lawyer Co-Counsel to Manifest LawAmanda Mitchell helped an Indian engineer working on electric vehicle battery technology secure an EB-2 National Interest Waiver. Facing a multi-year employer PERM timeline that risked outlasting his H-1B, he self-petitioned instead, relying on his master's degree, a patent, and his publications. His role on major EV battery projects gave the national interest argument its backbone.
EB-2 NIW
NewA Machine Learning Engineer Self-Sponsors His Green Card via NIW
Nadia Zaidi - Business Immigration Attorney and Practice LeadNadia Zaidi helped an Indian machine learning engineer in the technology industry secure EB-2 NIW approval, self-petitioning based on his specialized work in AI and digital commerce. The filing highlighted his advanced degree, years of experience at leading U.S. technology companies, and the national importance of his contributions to earn the waiver.
EB-2 NIW
Intelligent Mobility Engineer Wins an NIW on Road Safety
Lahaina Araneta McBeth - Immigration Lawyer Co-Counsel to Manifest LawLahaina Araneta helped a British transportation-systems engineer win an EB-2 National Interest Waiver. His proposed endeavor - reducing fatalities on U.S. roads through intelligent mobility technology - was grounded in his work on autonomous vehicle, pedestrian detection, and impaired-driver detection projects with a regional transportation authority. Over a decade of specialized experience, original contributions, awards, and a strong slate of expert recommendation letters carried the petition to approval.
EB-2 NIW
Climate-Control Algorithms Cutting EV Energy Use Win an NIW
Carmiann Cespedes - Immigration Lawyer Co-Counsel to Manifest LawCarmiann Cespedes helped an Indian automotive engineer secure a Green Card through the EB-2 National Interest Waiver. The case was built on his novel energy-management algorithms that cut vehicle climate-control energy use by as much as 30-60 percent in support of electric vehicle adoption, along with seven patent filings naming him as inventor and his work with major U.S. automakers on a federally funded technology.
EB-2 NIW
EV Battery Engineer Self-Petitions Past a Slow PERM Timeline
Amanda Mitchell - Immigration Lawyer Co-Counsel to Manifest LawAmanda Mitchell helped an Indian engineer working on electric vehicle battery technology secure an EB-2 National Interest Waiver. Facing a multi-year employer PERM timeline that risked outlasting his H-1B, he self-petitioned instead, relying on his master's degree, a patent, and his publications. His role on major EV battery projects gave the national interest argument its backbone.
EB-2 NIW
NewA Machine Learning Engineer Self-Sponsors His Green Card via NIW
Nadia Zaidi - Business Immigration Attorney and Practice LeadNadia Zaidi helped an Indian machine learning engineer in the technology industry secure EB-2 NIW approval, self-petitioning based on his specialized work in AI and digital commerce. The filing highlighted his advanced degree, years of experience at leading U.S. technology companies, and the national importance of his contributions to earn the waiver.
EB-2 NIW
Intelligent Mobility Engineer Wins an NIW on Road Safety
Lahaina Araneta McBeth - Immigration Lawyer Co-Counsel to Manifest LawLahaina Araneta helped a British transportation-systems engineer win an EB-2 National Interest Waiver. His proposed endeavor - reducing fatalities on U.S. roads through intelligent mobility technology - was grounded in his work on autonomous vehicle, pedestrian detection, and impaired-driver detection projects with a regional transportation authority. Over a decade of specialized experience, original contributions, awards, and a strong slate of expert recommendation letters carried the petition to approval.
EB-2 NIW
Climate-Control Algorithms Cutting EV Energy Use Win an NIW
Carmiann Cespedes - Immigration Lawyer Co-Counsel to Manifest LawCarmiann Cespedes helped an Indian automotive engineer secure a Green Card through the EB-2 National Interest Waiver. The case was built on his novel energy-management algorithms that cut vehicle climate-control energy use by as much as 30-60 percent in support of electric vehicle adoption, along with seven patent filings naming him as inventor and his work with major U.S. automakers on a federally funded technology.
EB-2 NIW
EV Battery Engineer Self-Petitions Past a Slow PERM Timeline
Amanda Mitchell - Immigration Lawyer Co-Counsel to Manifest LawAmanda Mitchell helped an Indian engineer working on electric vehicle battery technology secure an EB-2 National Interest Waiver. Facing a multi-year employer PERM timeline that risked outlasting his H-1B, he self-petitioned instead, relying on his master's degree, a patent, and his publications. His role on major EV battery projects gave the national interest argument its backbone.
EB-2 NIW
NewA Machine Learning Engineer Self-Sponsors His Green Card via NIW
Nadia Zaidi - Business Immigration Attorney and Practice LeadNadia Zaidi helped an Indian machine learning engineer in the technology industry secure EB-2 NIW approval, self-petitioning based on his specialized work in AI and digital commerce. The filing highlighted his advanced degree, years of experience at leading U.S. technology companies, and the national importance of his contributions to earn the waiver.
EB-2 NIW
Intelligent Mobility Engineer Wins an NIW on Road Safety
Lahaina Araneta McBeth - Immigration Lawyer Co-Counsel to Manifest LawLahaina Araneta helped a British transportation-systems engineer win an EB-2 National Interest Waiver. His proposed endeavor - reducing fatalities on U.S. roads through intelligent mobility technology - was grounded in his work on autonomous vehicle, pedestrian detection, and impaired-driver detection projects with a regional transportation authority. Over a decade of specialized experience, original contributions, awards, and a strong slate of expert recommendation letters carried the petition to approval.
EB-2 NIW
Climate-Control Algorithms Cutting EV Energy Use Win an NIW
Carmiann Cespedes - Immigration Lawyer Co-Counsel to Manifest LawCarmiann Cespedes helped an Indian automotive engineer secure a Green Card through the EB-2 National Interest Waiver. The case was built on his novel energy-management algorithms that cut vehicle climate-control energy use by as much as 30-60 percent in support of electric vehicle adoption, along with seven patent filings naming him as inventor and his work with major U.S. automakers on a federally funded technology.
*Prior results do not guarantee future outcomes.
/Testimonials
What our clients say
Discover how Manifest has helped clients navigate the visa process and read their success stories.
Very professional, Simon and Dan responded to my clarifications with satisfaction. prepared my case with detailed documentation and got my approval from USCIS. Highly recommended for individuals looking for GC process under employment-based category
Gurinder Singh
I have worked with Dan and Simon directly, and my experience has been like no other. It feels like I'm talking with actual people who care about my case. Any questions I had, they were happy to assist me with in a very short time and make sure everything was clear before moving on to the next thing. I will definitely be working with them again in the future.
Sandra Rocha
I had an amazing experience with Manifest Law from the first intake interview, through a fast and professional process of working on the file, to a straightforward approval of my case. Catlea Bobis is a superstar attorney, and I recommend everyone considering trusting your case to professional support like I had with Catlea and the entire team at Manifest Law.
Irina Batukhtina
*Prior results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Related Articles
The EB‑1A vs. EB‑2 NIW: Which Self-Petition Green Card Is Right for You in 2026
Caryl Espinoza Jaen
EB‑2 NIW Approval Rate and Historical Trends: Why Now Is the Time to File
Caryl Espinoza Jaen
How Much Does an EB‑2 NIW Green Card Cost in 2026? Filing Fees and Legal Costs
EB‑2 NIW Business Plan: What to Include, Sample Structure, and USCIS Tips
Caryl Espinoza JaenThe EB‑1A vs. EB‑2 NIW: Which Self-Petition Green Card Is Right for You in 2026
Caryl Espinoza JaenEB‑2 NIW Approval Rate and Historical Trends: Why Now Is the Time to File
Caryl Espinoza JaenHow Much Does an EB‑2 NIW Green Card Cost in 2026? Filing Fees and Legal Costs
EB‑2 NIW Business Plan: What to Include, Sample Structure, and USCIS Tips
Caryl Espinoza JaenThe EB‑1A vs. EB‑2 NIW: Which Self-Petition Green Card Is Right for You in 2026
Caryl Espinoza JaenEB‑2 NIW Approval Rate and Historical Trends: Why Now Is the Time to File
Caryl Espinoza JaenHow Much Does an EB‑2 NIW Green Card Cost in 2026? Filing Fees and Legal Costs
EB‑2 NIW Business Plan: What to Include, Sample Structure, and USCIS Tips
Caryl Espinoza Jaen/FAQs
Still have questions about the EB-2 NIW as an engineer?
Am I a national interest engineer if I work at a company, not a lab?
Yes. Engineers building products in nationally important fields qualify regularly. The Dhanasar framework does not require academic work.
How is EB-2 NIW different from EB-1A?
EB-1A requires extraordinary ability, which is a higher bar. EB-2 NIW only requires that your work is nationally important and that you are well-positioned to advance it. EB-1A has better priority dates for India and China.
Can I self-petition?
Yes. You file the I-140 yourself, without an employer’s involvement.
What if my field is not obviously in the national interest?
Many fields qualify with the right framing. AI, cybersecurity, semiconductors, energy, biotech, infrastructure, and supply chain technologies all have strong federal interest documentation. We help you make the case.
How long before I can file?
If you have a clear plan and a decent evidence base, typically 6 to 10 weeks. It may take longer if the endeavor statement needs development.
Can my spouse work?
Once your priority date is current and you file I-485, your spouse can file alongside you and receive an EAD. They can work for any employer while the case is pending.
Pay on Approval availability and payment terms are subject to the terms of the selected service plan and engagement agreement.
