Visa guide

Which petition fits your situation?

Plain-language summaries of the five paths PetitionPilot supports. This is general information to help you orient — not legal advice.

EB-2 NIW

National Interest Waiver

An employment-based green card path that lets qualified people self-petition — waiving the usual job offer and labor certification — by showing their work is in the national interest of the United States.

Best for

Researchers, founders, and specialized professionals whose work has broad importance and who want to petition without an employer sponsor.

How PetitionPilot helps

The workflow builds your case around the three-prong Dhanasar framework, drafts the petition letter, and organizes your evidence of merit, positioning, and benefit.

What it turns on

You hold an advanced degree or can show exceptional ability in your field.
Your endeavor has substantial merit and national importance.
You are well positioned to advance that endeavor.
On balance, it benefits the U.S. to waive the job-offer and labor-certification requirements.

EB-1A

Extraordinary Ability

A first-preference green card for people at the very top of their field. It allows self-petition and does not require a job offer, but the bar is high.

Best for

Applicants with sustained national or international acclaim — major awards, or a strong record across several recognized criteria.

How PetitionPilot helps

PetitionPilot maps your accomplishments to the criteria you can credibly meet, drafts the argument, and flags where your evidence is thin before you file.

What it turns on

Either a one-time major internationally recognized award, or
Evidence meeting at least three of the ten regulatory criteria (awards, membership, press, judging, original contributions, authorship, and more).
A final-merits showing that you are among the small percentage at the top of your field.

O-1

Extraordinary Ability (nonimmigrant)

A temporary work visa for individuals with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. Filed by an employer or agent, not the applicant alone.

Best for

People who want to work in the U.S. now on the strength of a distinguished record, often as a step before pursuing a green card.

How PetitionPilot helps

The workflow assembles the support letter, matches your record to the O-1 criteria, and helps you track the consultation and itinerary the petition needs.

What it turns on

A U.S. employer or agent files the petition on your behalf.
Evidence of a major award, or at least three of the recognized criteria for your category.
An advisory opinion (consultation) from a relevant peer group or labor organization, where applicable.
A defined itinerary of events, work, or engagements.

EB-5

Immigrant Investor

A green card path for investors who put capital into a new commercial enterprise that creates jobs for U.S. workers.

Best for

Applicants able to invest the required amount and document a lawful source of funds.

How PetitionPilot helps

PetitionPilot helps you lay out the enterprise, the at-risk investment, the job-creation plan, and a clear source-of-funds trail.

What it turns on

Investment of at least the required minimum, which is lower for projects in a targeted employment area.
The capital must be genuinely at risk — not guaranteed and not a loan secured by the enterprise's assets.
Creation (or preservation) of at least ten full-time jobs for qualifying U.S. workers.
A traceable, lawful source for every dollar invested.

I-485

Adjustment of Status

Not a petition category but the step that turns an approved or concurrently filed immigrant petition into a green card, for eligible people already in the United States.

Best for

Applicants in the U.S. with an available visa number who are ready to apply for permanent residence without leaving the country.

How PetitionPilot helps

The workflow guides the supporting documentation and helps you keep the adjustment package consistent with your underlying petition.

What it turns on

An approved or concurrently filed underlying immigrant petition.
A visa number available in your category and priority date.
Continuous eligibility and admissibility, including required medical and background components.

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