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Free Tool Self-Petition Eligibility Check  •  2026

Self-Petition Eligibility Check

Free. See which green card you can file yourself, EB-1A or EB-2 NIW, and whether you’d qualify. The full diagnostic comes next.

Compare & Choose
EB-1A Constellation
EB-2 NIW Prongs
Process
Government Filing Costs

Which path fits you?

Both are self-petitioned immigrant visas filed on Form I-140. They differ in who they are for, how you qualify, and how fast the green card line moves.

First preference

EB-1A: Extraordinary Ability

  • WhoTop of your field, with sustained acclaim
  • TestAny 3 of 10 criteria (or one major award)
  • DegreeNot required
  • Premium15 calendar days
  • Bulletin (Jun 2026)Current except China Apr 2023, India Dec 2022
  • Best whenYou have awards, press, judging, major contributions
Second preference

EB-2 NIW: National Interest Waiver

  • WhoAdvanced-degree pros with a nationally important endeavor
  • TestAdvanced degree or exceptional ability + all 3 Dhanasar prongs
  • DegreeAdvanced degree, or 3-of-6 exceptional ability
  • Premium45 calendar days
  • Bulletin (Jun 2026)Current except China Sep 2021, India Sep 2013
  • Best whenStrong credentials + clear U.S. impact, not "the very top"
What's identical: both self-petition on Form I-140 ($715 + $300 asylum fee = $1,015); premium processing is $2,965 either way; the green-card-stage fees are the same; and you may file the green card concurrently when your priority date is current. Rule of thumb: if your record screams "best in the field," aim EB-1A. If you have strong credentials and work of clear national importance, EB-2 NIW is the broader door. You can also file both, each is judged separately.

EB-1A: Your Eligibility Constellation

10 criteria; you need any 3 (aim for 4+). Tap the stars that match your record and watch your constellation form.

Tap a star to read what that criterion means, and the evidence that proves it.
Criteria selected: 0 / 3 needed
Keep building

EB-2 NIW: The Three Prongs Gateway

Unlike EB-1A's "any 3 of 10," the NIW (Matter of Dhanasar) is an AND test, pass all three gates. You qualify for EB-2 one of two ways (below); the three NIW prongs then apply on top, whichever way you qualify.

Path A

Advanced degree

Master's or higher, OR Bachelor's/HND + 5+ years progressive experience.

Path B

Exceptional ability

Meet at least 3 of 6 USCIS criteria. No graduate degree required.

Either path qualifies you for EB-2. The NIW then adds three prongs you must all pass. Tap each gate to see what it demands, and how the 2026 standard raised the bar.
Gates open: 0 / 3 required
Path not yet open

From your case to a green card

Every step, the fees, and the one decision point that depends on your country. Toggle the path to see how it changes.

1

Build and document your case

Assemble exhibits for your 3 to 4 strongest criteria, recommendation letters, CV, and a credential evaluation.

Weeks to months
2

File Form I-140 (self-petition)

Mail or e-file. The receipt notice date becomes your priority date, guard it.

$1,015 Never send originals
3

Choose your speed

Premium processing is optional and changes nothing about your odds or place in line.

+$2,965 optional 15 calendar days vs ~5 to 8 months
4

I-140 approval

Approval notice issued. The green card stage opens when your priority date is current.

EB-1: current except China and India
5

Is your priority date current?

This is the one fork, and it depends on your country of birth.

Current

File the green card now. I-485 inside the US (concurrent OK) or consular abroad.

Not current

Hold after I-140 approval. Wait for your priority date, then file Stage 2.

6

Green card, then permanent residence

A conditional or 10-year green card, then citizenship eligibility after 5 years.

Then 5 yrs to citizenship

Government Filing Cost Calculator

What the U.S. government charges to file: these are USCIS and Department of State filing fees, not F-1 Careers fees. Works for both paths. Pick your situation and the total and green-card timing update live.

Rest of world
China
India
Inside the U.S.
Outside the U.S.
Yes (+$2,965)
No
Yes (+$630)
No
Yes
No
0
0
Yes (+$260 each)
No
Estimated government filing fees
$3,015

U.S. government filing fees only (USCIS and Department of State), plus a medical estimate. Not F-1 Careers fees. Most petitioners also retain an attorney, which commonly runs $5,000 to $15,000, and may have translation, travel, and shipping costs. Fees and visa-bulletin dates are current as of 2026; confirm on uscis.gov/g-1055 before filing.

Visa & Career Risk Score

A few questions on where you stand today. We score your exposure under 2026 policy, then point you to the path that lowers it.

F-1 student
J-1
F-1 CPT
F-1 OPT
F-1 STEM OPT
H-1B
H-1B1
L-1
O-1
NIW pending
Other
Bachelor's
Master's
PhD or MD
Other
0 to 2
3 to 5
6 to 10
11 to 15
16+
No
Yes
Not yet
Yes, approved
Yes, continuous
Gaps or issues exist
Yes
Not yet
Yes, reviewed
Not yet

Select at least your country and current status.

Get a solid diagnostic before you spend thousands.
For $297, see which path is yours, EB-1A or EB-2 NIW, and exactly how to evidence it, before you put thousands into an attorney retainer or file these petitions blind.
Get my readiness report →
Optional. The button takes you straight to your report either way.

An educational clarity tool, not legal advice. Rules and fees change, verify on USCIS and the Department of State before filing.

Updated June 14, 2026. EB-1: rest of world current, China Apr 1 2023, India Dec 15 2022. EB-2: rest of world current, China Sep 1 2021, India Sep 1 2013 (FY limit reached). Reflects USCIS fees, the Jan 15 2025 NIW policy update, and the June 2026 Visa Bulletin; subject to change.