EB-2 NIW Insights from a Former USCIS Officer

Attorney Carlos Colombo, founder of Colombo & Hurd Immigration, sits down with Mandy Nease, a former USCIS officer and current attorney at the firm. Ms. Nease shares her unique perspective from her 13 years at USCIS, offering valuable guidance on what officers look for in EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) Petitions. They discuss the rigorous training USCIS officers undergo, the importance of decisional confidence, and the nuances of adjudicating various immigration petitions. Ms. Nease also reflects on her transition to private practice and the rewarding experience of helping diverse clients achieve their immigration goals.

Ms. Nease provides information regarding the comprehensive training program for USCIS officers. This program encompasses both legal and technical aspects, ensuring that officers are well-equipped to adjudicate a wide range of immigration petitions. She highlights the rigorous and thorough nature of this training, which includes six to eight weeks of intensive initial instruction followed by ongoing specialized training for different petition types.

Mr. Colombo and Ms. Nease also discuss some of the advantages of the EB-2 NIW category for self-petitioners. Unlike traditional employment-based immigration processes, the EB-2 NIW allows petitioners to seek permanent residency without needing employer sponsorship. This freedom is particularly beneficial for individuals with unique skills and entrepreneurial aspirations, enabling them to pursue opportunities in the U.S. on their terms. Finally, the conversation covers the critical role of timing and efficiency in the EB-2 NIW process compared to traditional employer-based petitions.

We would love to have one of our experienced immigration attorneys review your professional profile to verify if you are a good fit for the Green Card through the EB-2 NIW Process. If you are interested in a free evaluation of your professional profile, please click here to begin: https://niwapproval.io/