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Free Tool Green Card Eligibility Explorer  •  2026

Free Green Card Eligibility Explorer

Both EB-1A (extraordinary ability) and EB-2 NIW (national interest waiver) let you self-petition a U.S. green card, no employer, no job offer. Explore both, test your fit, and see your real 2026 costs.

01 Compare & Choose
02 EB-1A Constellation
03 EB-2 NIW Prongs
04 Decision Tree
05 Timeline
06 Cost Calculator

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.

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

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. First pick how you qualify for EB-2, then open each gate.

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.

Gates open: 0 / 3 required
Path not yet open
Pick a qualifying path above, then tap each gate to see what it demands, and how the 2026 standard raised the bar.

The Decision Tree

Pick a pathway, prove its test, then follow the shared road to a green card.

Which self-petition fits your record?
EB-1A
Meet 3+ of 10 criteria?Awards, media, judging, major contributions, high salary, leading roles…
EB-2 NIW
Advanced degree/exceptional ability + 3 Dhanasar prongs?Substantial merit + national importance • well positioned • beneficial to waive
File Form I-140 (self-petition): $1,015EB-2 NIW: include an uncertified ETA-9089 (no PERM). E-file or mail.
Premium processing? (+$2,965, optional)
EB-1A speed
Decision in 15 calendar days
EB-2 NIW speed
Decision in 45 calendar days
Is your priority date current? (depends on path + birth country)Rest of world: current for both. China/India: EB-1 and EB-2 each have their own (different) cutoffs, see the calculator.
Current
File the green cardI-485 inside the U.S. (concurrent OK) or consular abroad.
Green card ✦
Not current
Hold after I-140 approvalWait for your priority date, then file Stage 2.
Green card when current ✦

The Process Timeline

Petition to permanent residence. Toggle the path, the premium window and bulletin notes change.

2026 Cost Calculator

Works for both paths. Pick your situation; the total and the green-card timing update live for the June 2026 bulletin.

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 total
$3,015

Government filing fees only, plus a medical estimate. Most petitioners also retain an attorney, which commonly runs $5,000 to $15,000, and may have translation, travel, and shipping costs. Confirm current fees on uscis.gov/g-1055 before filing.

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 strategy 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.