EB-2 NIW: how a power-engineer from Eastern Europe got a green card in the USA

Immigrating to the U.S. through a professional path is not just about submitting a form. It’s a strategy that requires precision and proven value from the applicant for the country. One of the most reliable paths for highly skilled professionals is the EB-2 NIW category. This petition allows you to obtain a green card without an employer sponsor if you can prove that your work benefits the national interests of the United States.

In this article, I’ll share a real-life case we successfully handled in our practice.
Our client is a power-engineer from Eastern Europe who went all the way from a student visa to obtaining U.S. permanent residency through the EB-2 NIW category.

Our Client: The Journey Begins with Dissatisfaction

Our client — let’s call him Ilyas — was 32 years old at the start of the immigration process. He held a higher education degree in power engineering, with a specialization in automatic protection systems and reliability in distribution networks.

Despite a successful career at a state-owned corporation, Ilyas felt that he had hit a professional ceiling. His ambitions included working with new technologies in the field of alternative energy, participating in large-scale engineering projects, and gaining access to modern equipment. None of that was possible in his home country.

“I realized that if I want to work with cutting-edge solutions, I need to move to the international level. The U.S. was the logical choice.”

Studying in the USA as a starting-point

The first step was enrolling in a language school on an F-1 student visa. This gave Ilyas the opportunity to adapt, improve his English level, and gradually integrate into the American educational and professional environment.

The visa interview went smoothly. The main focus was on his motivation to study and proof of financial support. Just one month after receiving the visa, Ilyas arrived in the USA.

At first, adaptation was not easy: language barrier, cultural differences, and everyday challenges. However, thanks to regular practice and communication in an English-speaking environment, he quickly found his footing and began thinking about legalization.

Why EB-2 NIW?

The EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) category is an ideal tool for those who want to remain in the U.S. based on their professional achievements without being tied to a specific employer.

Ilyas had a master’s degree, proven work experience in the energy sector, participation in technical projects, and a strong drive to build a career in sustainable energy — a field that is considered a priority in the United States.

Stages of Preparing the EB-2 NIW Case

Work on the case took several months. The main task was to properly collect evidence proving that Ilyas’s knowledge and experience aligned with the national interests of the United States.

The evidence package included:

• Diplomas and academic transcripts, evaluated and recognized in the U.S.
• Recommendation letters from colleagues and supervisors
• Descriptions of completed engineering projects
• Analysis of his work’s impact on the country’s energy system
• Job offer from a U.S. company operating in the field of solar energy

No business plan was required, as the focus was on qualifications, practical contribution, and a relevant job offer.

Requests for Additional Evidence and Advance Parole

After submitting forms I-140 and I-485, USCIS issued a standard RFE (Request for Evidence). It concerned additional information about education and proof of the job offer’s legitimacy.

The client promptly provided diploma evaluations, the job offer itself, and a cover letter from the employer outlining the details of the future position.

At this stage, he used Advance Parole – a permit for temporary travel outside the U.S.
This did not affect the case review.

Approval and Receiving the Green Card

The I-140 petition was approved 16 months after submission. Three months later, the client received a green card without an interview. USCIS makes such decisions when the case is thoroughly prepared and the officer has no additional questions.

Interestingly, Ilyas didn’t tell any friends or colleagues about his process – he only shared it with close family members. He announced his success only after receiving the final document.

Adjusting to Life in the USA: The First Year

After receiving permanent resident status, Ilyas got a job as an engineer at a company developing microgrids based on solar generation. He notes that working in the U.S. gave him access to projects that were not available in his home country:

“Now I don’t just design – I take part in building the future of energy.”

What You Should Know If You’re Planning Immigration Through EB-2 NIW

This case is just one of many, but it clearly shows what success is built on:

• Strong academic background and relevant work experience
• Relevance of the specialty to the U.S. priority fields
• Well-prepared documentation, without omissions or inconsistencies
• Precise compliance with deadlines and legal requirements

Immigration through EB-2 NIW is a real path for qualified professionals who are ready to contribute to the United States and know how to prove it. It’s not a fast process, but it offers a stable and long-lasting result — the right to live, work, and grow in one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world.