EB-2 NIW Green Card for Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs building companies that create jobs, advance technology, or address critical U.S. economic and social needs can satisfy all three Dhanasar prongs for EB-2 NIW. We build entrepreneur-specific NIW petitions that present your business venture as a nationally important endeavor and position you as uniquely qualified to advance it.

Overview

EB-2 NIW is an increasingly viable path for entrepreneurs who cannot self-sponsor through traditional employment-based categories and whose ventures do not yet meet the EB-1A extraordinary ability bar. By framing your startup or business as a proposed endeavor of substantial merit and national importance — creating jobs, developing technology, or addressing market gaps — you can self-petition for a green card based on your role as a founder. Silmi Law develops NIW strategies tailored to early-stage and growth-stage entrepreneurs.

New York, NY
San Francisco, CA
Austin, TX
Boston, MA
Seattle, WA
No

Employer Sponsor Required

Self

Petition Filed

No

PERM Labor Cert. Needed

2nd

Preference Priority

How Entrepreneurs Qualify for EB-2 NIW

  • Company creation with job creation potential and economic impact
  • Venture capital or angel funding from recognized investors
  • Products or services addressing critical U.S. economic, health, or technology needs
  • Patents or proprietary technology developed through the venture
  • Press coverage in recognized business or industry media
  • Accelerator or incubator participation (Y Combinator, Techstars, etc.)
  • Contracts, partnerships, or customers demonstrating commercial traction
  • Expert letters from investors, advisors, or industry leaders
  • Industry awards or recognition programs (Forbes 30 Under 30, Inc. 5000, etc.)
  • Advanced degree or specialized expertise relevant to the venture’s field
Venture Profile Review

We assess your company, funding history, technology, and personal credentials to identify the most compelling NIW arguments for your petition.

Proposed Endeavor Strategy

We frame your business venture as a proposed endeavor of substantial merit and national importance, tying it to documented U.S. priorities.

Proposed Endeavor Strategy

We frame your business venture as a proposed endeavor of substantial merit and national importance, tying it to documented U.S. priorities.

Filing & RFE Support

We file the petition and provide detailed support for any Requests for Evidence issued by USCIS.

Why Silmi Law

Strategy over templates. Every time.

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Startup Ecosystem Experience

We understand how venture-backed startups operate and how to translate early-stage traction into compelling USCIS evidence.

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Proposed Endeavor Framing

We craft a national importance narrative that connects your venture’s mission to U.S. economic competitiveness, job creation, or technology leadership.

Direct Attorney Oversight

Sharif Silmi personally oversees every entrepreneur NIW petition from strategy through filing.

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Early to Growth Stage

We work with founders at all stages — from pre-revenue startups to scaling companies — tailoring the strategy to where you are.

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Expert Letter Coordination

We coordinate expert support letters from investors, advisors, and industry leaders who can attest to the national significance of your venture.

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Nationwide Representation

We serve entrepreneurs throughout New York, New Jersey, California, Texas, Massachusetts, Washington, and nationwide.

START YOUR IMMIGRATION PROCESS

Book a strategy session with Sharif Silmi to assess your credentials and map the strongest path forward.

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