EB1A/EB2 NIW Profile Self‑Assessment
Walk through the core EB1A “extraordinary ability” criteria and the EB2 NIW three‑prong test to see how your evidence and story align with current standards, not to calculate an approval chance.
Start Self‑AssessmentSalary Percentile & “High Remuneration” Check
Compare your salary to peers in your field and region so you can decide whether to position compensation as part of a “high salary” / exceptional ability argument.
Try CalculatorCitation Impact & Research Visibility
Analyze your citation counts, h‑index, and journal impact to understand how strongly your research profile supports EB1A or EB2 NIW, especially for STEM and academic cases.
Try CalculatorPublication Strength & Venue Quality
Evaluate the venues where you publish, co‑authorship patterns, and your role in key papers to see how to present publications as “major significance” evidence.
Try CalculatorAwards & Distinctions Checklist
Map your awards, fellowships, and recognitions against how USCIS looks at “lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes” in EB1A and supporting evidence for NIW.
Try CalculatorUSCIS Processing Time Helper
Learn how to check the official USCIS Case Processing Times tool for Form I‑140 (EB1A and EB2 NIW) and interpret regular vs. premium processing timelines.
View Guide
How the EB1A & EB2 NIW Self‑Assessment Works
USCIS does not use any official “EB1A score” or “NIW score.” EB1A petitions are evaluated under the employment‑based first preference category for aliens of extraordinary ability, where you typically show at least three out of ten regulatory criteria and then pass a separate “final merits” analysis.
EB2 NIW petitions are first assessed for basic EB‑2 eligibility, then under the National Interest Waiver framework, which requires your endeavor to have substantial merit and national importance, that you are well positioned to advance it, and that waiving the job offer and labor certification is beneficial to the United States.
This self‑assessment tool helps you translate those legal standards into evidence and narrative questions: what you have today, what is missing, and what might be strengthened through better documentation and writing.
What Your Self‑Assessment Result Means (and Does Not Mean)
A “strong” result usually means you already have several solid pieces of documentary evidence (for example, sustained publications, citations, significant awards, or leadership roles) and a coherent proposed endeavor that matches current EB1A or NIW expectations. A “developing” or “weaker” result highlights where you may need stronger achievements, clearer impact, or more persuasive explanation.
Your result is not a prediction of approval, a guarantee, or a substitute for an attorney’s evaluation. Final USCIS decisions depend on your complete petition, case law, changing policy guidance, and officer discretion.
Official Government Resources You Should Read
- Overview of employment‑based immigrant categories and the immigrant visa process (U.S. Department of State). Immigrant Visa Process – Step 1: Submit a Petition
- Form I‑140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers – current USCIS form and instructions (official PDF host). Form I‑140 – Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers (PDF)
- Independent guides on EB1A and EB2 NIW requirements, policy‑manual updates, and adjudication trends (for context only, not legal advice). EB‑1A Green Card Requirements & Processing | NIW Requirements & Dhanasar Three‑Prong Test
What to Do After You Use the Calculators
If your EB1A/NIW self‑assessment looks promising, your next step is to translate raw achievements into a coherent petition story: how your work fits the regulatory criteria, how your evidence supports each point, and how recommendation letters and expert opinions reinforce your impact.
If your profile is still developing, use the feedback to plan concrete improvements: higher‑impact publications, stronger roles in projects, more visible leadership, better documentation of your awards or entrepreneurial impact, and clearer articulation of your proposed endeavor.
EB1A/EB2 NIW Self‑Assessment FAQs (2026)
Is there an official USCIS EB1A or EB2 NIW “score” or calculator?
No. USCIS does not publish any official scoring system or calculator for EB1A or EB2 NIW. Officers review the totality of your evidence under the regulations, policy manual, and relevant case law.
How long does Form I‑140 processing usually take for EB1A and EB2 NIW?
Regular I‑140 processing can take several months and sometimes longer, depending on category and service center, while premium processing offers an initial decision window (15 or 45 business days for certain categories). Always check the latest USCIS Case Processing Times tool rather than relying on averages.
Can I rely on this self‑assessment instead of speaking to an immigration lawyer?
No. These tools are designed to help you understand how your profile and documents might be presented, especially from a writing and evidence‑organization perspective. Only a licensed U.S. immigration attorney can provide legal advice about your eligibility and strategy.
Will a high self‑assessment result guarantee that my EB1A or NIW petition is approved?
No. A “high” result simply suggests that your profile appears strong on paper. USCIS still performs a case‑by‑case evaluation and can issue Requests for Evidence (RFEs) or denials even for apparently strong applicants.
How can I use these calculators to strengthen my petition writing?
Use the outputs as a checklist for your narrative and evidence. Wherever the tools flag gaps, plan how to fill them with better documents, clearer explanations, and more persuasive recommendation letters and personal statements.