How to Choose The Best EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) Lawyer in 2025
Finding the Right EB-2 NIW Attorney
Selecting an EB-2 NIW lawyer requires evaluating experience, specialization, and proven success rates. Look for attorneys with at least 10-15 years handling NIW petitions specifically—not just general immigration law.
Key factors include the number of NIW cases filed, former USCIS experience on staff, dedicated RFE response capabilities, and transparent fee structures. The best lawyers provide data-driven strategies and understand current USCIS adjudication patterns.
Choosing the right EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) lawyer is one of the most important decisions in your immigration journey. The EB-2 NIW is a complex, self-sponsored green card category that allows professionals to apply without an employer, but it requires proving that your work provides a substantial benefit to the United States.
When selecting an EB-2 NIW lawyer, experience, results, and depth of expertise matter far more than location. The right attorney provides personalized guidance and comprehensive legal support, ensuring each petition aligns with USCIS standards and national interest priorities.
Colombo & Hurd has successfully guided more than 2,000 professionals to EB-2 NIW approval since 2023. With over two decades of experience, the firm has built a reputation for precision, data-driven strategy, and legal excellence in self-sponsored petitions. Colombo & Hurd’s immigration attorneys represent clients from over 100 countries, helping highly skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and researchers secure permanent residency in the U.S.
Questions to Ask When Choosing an EB-2 NIW Lawyer
Why do I need an immigration lawyer for EB-2 NIW?
Understanding why professional guidance matters is the first step in building a successful EB-2 NIW petition.
The EB-2 NIW is one of the most complex categories in U.S. immigration law. Although it allows professionals to self-petition without employer sponsorship, it requires meeting a high evidentiary threshold.
Petitioners must demonstrate that their work has substantial merit and national importance, that they are well-positioned to advance their endeavor, and that waiving the job offer requirement benefits the United States.
A qualified immigration lawyer ensures that every element of this three-prong test is supported with persuasive, well-documented evidence. Experienced attorneys guide clients through each step, helping them:
- Identify eligibility pathways based on education, experience, and impact
- Build a strong evidentiary record connecting their work to U.S. national priorities
- Avoid errors or omissions in documentation and filing that can cause costly delays
- Respond to Requests for Evidence (RFEs) with precise, officer-targeted responses
- Stay ahead of evolving USCIS adjudication patterns and legal interpretations
Even highly qualified petitioners can face denials without professional representation. The legal team at Colombo & Hurd combines experience, data, and officer-level understanding to prepare petitions that meet both the technical and persuasive requirements of the EB-2 NIW.
How many years of EB-2 NIW experience does the law firm have?
Experience is a critical factor when selecting an attorney to handle your EB-2 NIW case.
Look for firms with significant experience specifically in EB-2 NIW cases. General immigration lawyers may handle family petitions, asylum cases, and naturalization; this is valuable work, but not the same as deep expertise in evidence-heavy and niche EB-2 NIW cases.
Because EB-2 NIW petitions are self-sponsored and evidence-heavy, experienced attorneys understand not just the law, but how USCIS officers interpret it, what arguments resonate, and how to connect a client’s work to national interests.
Founded in 2006, Colombo & Hurd brings 20 years of excellence in U.S. immigration law. Co-founders Carlos Colombo and Rusten Hurd have both practiced law for more than 25 years and have built a global immigration practice with a team of over 30 U.S.-licensed attorneys focused exclusively on immigration matters.
The firm has represented thousands of professionals across science, medicine, technology, academia, arts and business, developing nuanced strategies to meet the high standards of the EB-2 NIW. This long history of successful petitions demonstrates the firm’s ability to address advanced degree qualifications, national impact, and evolving policy trends that affect NIW adjudications.
Does the firm specialize in self-sponsored visas?
Specialization ensures that your attorney understands the unique demands of self-sponsored immigration petitions.
Unlike employer-based visas, self-sponsored petitions require showing that the petitioner’s work benefits the United States directly, without the need for sponsorship. This requires a fundamentally different approach to case strategy and evidence presentation.
Look for firms that focus specifically on self-petition categories and have developed proven methodologies for demonstrating national importance and individual impact.
Colombo & Hurd is widely recognized for its success with self-sponsored green card petitions, especially in EB-2 NIW and EB-1A categories. The firm’s attorneys specialize in presenting achievements and impact in ways that clearly demonstrate national importance.
The firm’s attorneys take time to understand each petitioner’s background, achievements, and goals. They then build a case strategy that highlights how the petitioner’s contributions meet the three-prong NIW test:
- National importance of the proposed endeavor
- The petitioner’s ability to advance the endeavor
- Benefit to the United States from waiving the job offer requirement
Colombo & Hurd’s combination of data analysis, officer insight, and persuasive legal writing allows it to position each case for success, whether the client is an engineer advancing infrastructure, a scientist improving public health, or an entrepreneur creating jobs.
How many EB-2 NIW cases has the firm filed?
The number of cases handled can reveal a firm’s depth of experience and insight into evolving adjudication patterns.
Volume matters because it allows firms to identify approval trends, understand officer behavior patterns, and refine strategies based on real-world outcomes. However, volume must be paired with high approval rates to be meaningful.
Ask prospective attorneys about:
- Number of EB-2 NIW cases filed
- Experience across different professional fields
- Geographic diversity of clients
- Years of Experience
Since its founding, Colombo & Hurd has filed and won thousands of employment-based petitions across multiple categories. The firm’s results include:
- 10,000+ total approvals across visa and green card categories
- 2,500+ EB-2 NIW and EB-1A approvals since 2023 alone
- 100% approval rate for EB-5 immigrant investor visas
- 100+ countries represented
This EB-2 NIW experience allows the firm to identify adjudication trends, analyze officer behavior, and use real-time data to improve case strategy. Colombo & Hurd’s team continuously refines its strategy to reflect what USCIS is approving, which is a key advantage for clients seeking predictable, high-quality outcomes.
Does the firm have former USCIS experience?
Having a former USCIS adjudicator on staff provides an insider’s perspective on how cases are evaluated and approved.
This is rare as most immigration attorneys have never worked inside USCIS. Former adjudicators bring unique insights into:
- How evidence is actually weighed by officers
- What arguments are most persuasive in the review process
- How to anticipate and address potential concerns before they become RFEs
- What patterns influence officer discretion and decision-making
Amanda “Mandy” Nease, Senior Immigration Attorney and Director of Professional Development at Colombo & Hurd, spent 13 years as a USCIS adjudicator at the Nebraska Service Center, where she reviewed hundreds of EB-2 NIW petitions and trained officers on adjudication standards.
Her first-hand perspective bridges the gap between what petitioners think matters and what adjudicators actually prioritize. By understanding how evidence is weighed, how arguments are interpreted, and what patterns influence officer discretion, Ms. Nease helps the firm craft petitions that anticipate scrutiny and align precisely with USCIS expectations.
This unique perspective enables Colombo & Hurd to align petition presentation with how adjudicators actually assess merit and national importance.
How does the firm provide strategic, data-driven guidance?
Data-driven representation allows attorneys to make informed decisions based on current approval trends and real-world outcomes.
The best firms don’t rely solely on past experience, they actively track USCIS data, analyze approval patterns, and adapt strategies to reflect current adjudication realities. This includes monitoring:
- Processing times at different service centers
- RFE rates by field and occupation
- Approval trends for specific types of national interest arguments
- Officer-specific patterns and preferences
Colombo & Hurd integrates data analytics into every stage of its legal strategy. By tracking USCIS case data and internal metrics, the firm identifies approval patterns, officer tendencies, and field-specific challenges.
Each petition is customized to reflect the petitioner’s qualifications, nationality, and area of expertise. Whether representing a medical researcher, software engineer, or educator, the firm uses real-world data to strengthen arguments and adapt to policy developments.
This data-driven approach ensures that every submission reflects current adjudication realities and maximizes the likelihood of approval.
Does the firm have a dedicated RFE response team?
A firm’s ability to respond effectively to Requests for Evidence (RFEs) often determines whether a petition succeeds or fails.
Look for firms with dedicated RFE departments and not just attorneys who handle RFEs alongside other work. Specialized RFE teams can:
- Analyze officer concerns more effectively
- Develop targeted responses that address specific issues
- Turn around responses quickly without compromising quality
- Draw on experience from thousands of similar cases
RFEs are common in complex employment-based cases, but how a law firm responds often determines whether the petition is ultimately approved or denied.
Colombo & Hurd maintains a dedicated Request for Evidence (RFE) department led by Attorney Roshn Vazhel, an experienced immigration lawyer who focuses on EB-2 NIW, EB-1A, EB-1B, and O-1 petitions.
With more than 30 professionals, Colombo & Hurd’s RFE department handles all RFE-related matters with precision and care. Each response is tailored to the specific USCIS officer and the legal issues raised. The team analyzes the RFE language, identifies the adjudicator’s concerns, and provides evidence and legal analysis to resolve them effectively.
This level of attention and specialization helps maintain the firm’s exceptionally high approval rate and ensures clients receive a strong defense when cases face additional scrutiny.
How does the firm support clients worldwide?
Global accessibility is essential for professionals pursuing self-sponsored immigration from outside the United States.
Many EB-2 NIW petitioners are located abroad when they begin the process. The right firm should offer:
- Virtual consultation options across time zones
- Multilingual support staff
- Experience with consular processing
- Cultural understanding for international clients
- Secure document sharing and communication platforms
With over 350 team members across the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and beyond, Colombo & Hurd provides global reach with local support. The firm serves professionals from every continent and maintains personalized communication throughout the process.
Whether a petitioner is based in London, Mexico City, Lagos, Shanghai or São Paulo, Colombo & Hurd offers guidance that feels close to home. Its multilingual staff and international infrastructure allow for timely updates, cultural understanding, and efficient coordination across time zones.
What professional backgrounds has the firm represented?
The diversity of clients represented reflects a firm’s adaptability and understanding across multiple industries.
EB-2 NIW petitions succeed when attorneys can effectively translate specialized work into arguments about national importance. This requires understanding not just immigration law, but the substantive fields where clients work.
Look for firms with proven success across:
- STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, mathematics)
- Healthcare and medical research
- Business and entrepreneurship
- Academia and education
- Arts and athletics
Colombo & Hurd has successfully represented professionals from diverse industries and disciplines, including:
- Scientists and researchers developing solutions in biotechnology, clean energy, and environmental sciences
- Physicians and public health professionals improving medical access, policy, and outcomes
- Engineers and technology leaders driving innovation in artificial intelligence, aerospace, and renewable energy
- Educators, economists, and policy experts advancing education reform and economic growth
- Entrepreneurs and executives creating businesses that expand opportunity and competitiveness in the U.S.
Each case is carefully tailored to connect the petitioner’s unique expertise with U.S. national priorities, ensuring USCIS clearly understands how their contributions serve a broader public benefit.
What factors affect EB-2 NIW legal fees?
Understanding what influences legal fees helps you make informed decisions and evaluate proposals from different firms.
Several variables affect the cost of EB-2 NIW representation:
Attorney Experience and Specialization: Attorneys with extensive EB-2 NIW experience and former USCIS backgrounds typically command higher fees, but this expertise often translates to stronger petitions and higher approval rates. Firms specializing exclusively in employment-based immigration invest more in staying current with policy changes and adjudication trends.
Scope of Services: Comprehensive representation includes initial case evaluation, petition strategy, evidence gathering guidance, petition preparation, filing, RFE responses, and case management. Some firms may charge separately for RFE responses or additional services, while others include these in their initial fee.
Case Complexity: Petitions requiring extensive documentation, multiple expert letters, or complex arguments about national importance may involve additional preparation time and resources.
USCIS Filing Fees: Separate from attorney fees, applicants must pay government filing fees for Form I-140 and, if using premium processing, an additional fee to expedite the I-140 review to 45 days.
Look for transparency in fee structures. Quality firms clearly outline what’s included in their representation and help you understand both legal fees and government costs upfront.
How long does the EB-2 NIW process take?
The EB-2 NIW timeline in 2025 involves multiple stages and can extend several years, depending on USCIS processing capacity and visa availability under annual EB-2 category limits.
I-140 Petition Processing
The first step is filing Form I-140, which confirms your qualifications and demonstrates that your work meets EB-2 NIW requirements. Presently, USCIS adjudicates EB-2 NIW Petitions generally at about the 20 month mark according to their internal reporting. However, these figures describe past case completions. In 2025, several factors suggest these timelines will extend further:
- USCIS Workforce Reductions: In February 2025, DHS eliminated nearly 50 USCIS staff members, directly reducing the agency’s adjudicative capacity
- Record-High Backlogs: USCIS data shows pending applications reached a decade-high of 11.3 million cases, with case completions dropping 18% year-over-year
- Operational Disruptions: Staffing reductions and automation changes are disrupting workflows at key service centers
Given these converging pressures, applicants should realistically prepare for I-140 processing times of approximately two years or longer.
Premium Processing: Reduces I-140 review to 45 days, but does not affect your priority date or visa availability. Premium processing is not generally recommended except in specific circumstances that should be discussed with your attorney, as it does not shorten the overall green card wait.
Requests for Evidence (RFEs): Can add 3-6 months or more to the timeline. While a well-prepared petition reduces the likelihood of an RFE, USCIS may issue RFEs for various reasons, including as part of their case management workflow. Working with experienced attorneys helps ensure you’re positioned to respond effectively when an RFE is issued.
After I-140 Approval
Once your I-140 is approved, you must wait for your priority date (the day USCIS received your petition) to become current according to the monthly Visa Bulletin. In 2025, the Final Action Date has retrogressed for all countries due to high EB-2 demand, meaning applicants from every country face multi-year waits.
After your priority date becomes current:
- Adjustment of Status (Form I-485): For applicants in the U.S., typically 6-8 months, though delays up to 12+ months can occur
- Consular Processing: For applicants abroad, usually 4-12 months depending on embassy workload
Total Realistic Timeline: Applicants filing in late 2025 should prepare for a total timeline of 2+ years for I-140 adjudication, plus additional waiting time for visa availability and/or green card processing. The EB-2 NIW remains a powerful option because it allows self-petitioning without employer sponsorship or labor certification, giving you greater flexibility to secure I-140 approval while continuing to advance your career.
For more detailed timeline information, see: How Long Does the National Interest Waiver Process Take?
Is the firm recognized by peers?
Peer recognition is a strong indicator of a firm’s credibility and standing within the legal community.
Professional ratings from organizations like Martindale-Hubbell and the Better Business Bureau reflect both technical competence and ethical practice. These ratings are based on confidential peer reviews from other attorneys and judges who have worked with or observed the firm.
Colombo & Hurd has earned an AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest distinction awarded through peer reviews for professional excellence and ethical standards. The firm also maintains an A+ Rating from the Better Business Bureau, reflecting a long record of quality service and client satisfaction.
These honors confirm Colombo & Hurd’s standing as a respected leader in immigration law and underscore the firm’s dedication to professionalism and results.
What additional resources does the firm provide?
Comprehensive representation includes more than petition preparation.
The best firms offer additional capabilities that can be critical when cases face challenges:
- Federal litigation experience for improper denials
- Compliance training and consulting
- Appeals and motion practice
- Professional development and education
Colombo & Hurd provides clients with resources and expertise that extend well beyond the preparation of petitions. The firm’s attorneys include leaders in federal litigation, former USCIS officers, and specialists in training and compliance.
Sarah Wilson, Federal Immigration Litigation Practice Leader, brings nearly 15 years of experience as a litigator for the U.S. Department of Justice. She has handled some of the most consequential immigration cases in the country, including defending the STEM OPT program in federal court. At Colombo & Hurd, she leads litigation strategies to challenge improper denials, fight unreasonable delays, and pursue relief in federal court when necessary.
Roshn Vazhel, Director of the RFE Department, is an experienced immigration attorney with a strong record of approvals in EB-2 NIW, EB-1A, EB-1B, and O-1 cases. He specializes in responding to RFEs, appeals, and complex I-140 petitions, giving clients a powerful advocate when cases face challenges.
Mandy Nease, Senior Immigration Attorney and Director of Professional Development, leads professional development and client training on compliance and petition preparation. Her 13 years at USCIS adjudicating EB-2 NIWs and other petitions give her unmatched insight into officer decision-making, which she now uses to train clients and strengthen cases.
Together, this team provides not only case preparation but also education, litigation, escalation strategies, and compliance training, ensuring clients receive comprehensive support at every stage of the immigration process.
Why Choose Colombo & Hurd?
Choosing the right firm for your EB-2 NIW petition means finding one that combines proven success, ethical integrity, and innovative strategy.
Colombo & Hurd continues to be a leading choice for EB-2 NIW representation. With thousands of approvals, former USCIS and DOJ professionals on staff, a dedicated RFE department, and advanced data analytics, the firm delivers results built on precision, strategy, and integrity.
Its AV Preeminent® rating, A+ BBB accreditation, and global client base reflect a law firm that has earned respect not just through volume, but through consistent excellence and ethical practice.
Finding the right EB-2 NIW lawyer is about more than credentials. It’s about trust, communication, and proven experience. By asking these questions, you can choose representation that gives your petition the strongest possible foundation.
For professionals seeking to self-sponsor through the EB-2 National Interest Waiver, Colombo & Hurd offers what few firms can: experience, unique perspective and understanding of adjudication, and a proven record of success that stands among the best in the nation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a lawyer for EB-2 NIW?
While you can self-petition, most applicants work with experienced lawyers to avoid errors and improve approval odds. The EB-2 NIW has a high evidentiary standard, and professional representation significantly increases success rates. Even highly qualified professionals benefit from an attorney’s understanding of how to present evidence persuasively and align their work with national interest priorities.
How long does the EB-2 NIW process take?
Applicants filing in late 2025 should prepare for approximately 2+ years for I-140 adjudication, plus additional time depending on visa availability (which varies by country), plus 6-12 months for final green card processing. Current USCIS backlogs and workforce reductions are extending processing times beyond historical averages. Learn more about EB-2 NIW processing times.
What’s the difference between EB-2 NIW and EB-1A?
EB-1A requires demonstrating extraordinary ability and sustained national or international acclaim—a very high standard. EB-2 NIW has a lower evidentiary threshold but requires proving your work benefits U.S. national interests. An experienced attorney can evaluate your profile and help determine which path fits your qualifications and career trajectory.
Can I work with a lawyer remotely?
Yes. Many applicants choose remote representation to access the best specialists regardless of location. Colombo & Hurd serves professionals from over 100 countries through video consultations, secure client portals, and multilingual support. Geographic location should not limit your access to experienced EB-2 NIW representation.
Take the Next Step
Don’t leave your EB-2 NIW petition to chance. Get a free eligibility assessment from attorneys who’ve successfully guided 2,500+ professionals to approval.
Contact Colombo & Hurd today to schedule your consultation and discover how our team of former USCIS officers and experienced attorneys can strengthen your petition.
