Immigration law
EB-2 National Interest Waiver Attorney in Austin
An EB-2 national interest waiver lets you petition for a green card without an employer and without a job offer. You ask USCIS to waive the labor certification requirement because your work is in the national interest. An EB-2 NIW attorney assesses whether your record supports that before anything is filed.
No employerYou petition for yourself, not through a sponsor
Form I-140Filed with the petition letter and the evidence
Direct cellPablo Nossa takes the case and answers your calls
Flat feeUpfront pricing and flat-fee rates
Recognized by
The national interest waiver is a waiver of the labor certification requirement inside the EB-2 category. It is not a separate visa, and it is not EB-1A.
The distinctionYou petition for yourself. No sponsor can withdraw it
What it is
A Green Card Without an Employer
Most employment-based green cards start with an employer: a job offer, then a labor certification proving no U.S. worker was available. The national interest waiver removes both. You ask USCIS to waive the job offer and the labor certification because your own work is of enough benefit to the United States to justify it.
That is the whole point of the route, and it changes who can use it. Unlike other employment-based green cards, an individual can self-petition for a national interest waiver without first obtaining sponsorship from an employer, and can file directly with USCIS along with Form I-140. Nobody has to agree to sponsor you, nobody can withdraw the petition, and a change of job does not end the case.
It sits inside EB-2, which is the category for people with an advanced degree or exceptional ability. So an NIW petitioner is proving two things at once: that they qualify for EB-2 at all, and that waiving the job offer serves the national interest. Petitions fail on the second far more often than the first.
- No employer, no job offer and no labor certification
- You are the petitioner, so the case is yours rather than a sponsor’s
- It sits inside EB-2, for an advanced degree or exceptional ability
- The petition is Form I-140, filed with a petition letter and the evidence behind it
Who qualifies
What a Petition Has to Prove
Four things, and all four. The first two are about your work and your record; the second two are the argument for the waiver itself, and they are where petitions are usually lost.
About the Endeavor and About You
- Your proposed endeavor has substantial merit and is of national significance
- You have the educational background, experience, relevant skills and record to advance it
- Substantial merit is not limited to one field, and national significance is not the same as national scale
- The evidence is your own publications, citations, patents, funding, adoption of your work, or the equivalent in your field
About the Waiver
- You are capable of succeeding in the endeavor if given the opportunity
- The United States would benefit from waiving the job offer requirement
- This is an argument, not a checklist, and it is made in the petition letter
- USCIS publishes the current framework in its Policy Manual, which is the wording that governs
The neighbouring routes
EB-2 NIW, EB-1A and Regular EB-2
Three routes people confuse, and the differences decide which one you should be on. The short answer to the common question is that the NIW is EB-2, not EB-1.
| EB-2 with a national interest waiver | Regular EB-2 | EB-1A | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employer needed | No | Yes, with a job offer | No |
| Labor certification | Waived, and that is the point | Required | Not required |
| Who petitions | You | Your employer | You |
| The standard | Advanced degree or exceptional ability, plus the national interest argument | Advanced degree or exceptional ability | Extraordinary ability, a higher bar |
| Typical fit | Researchers, physicians, engineers, founders with a documented record | A specific job with a specific employer | A record at the very top of a field |
| Numerically limited | Yes, EB-2 is a limited category | Yes | Yes, and usually less pressured |
If your record would genuinely support EB-1A, that is worth knowing before you file an NIW rather than after. The two are assessed on different standards and the stronger route is not always the one somebody arrives asking about.
The honest question is whether your record carries the national interest argument.
Bring the record you would argue from, and expect it read critically rather than encouragingly.
What to gather
What a Petition Is Built From
The forms are the small part. The petition letter and the evidence behind it are what the officer actually weighs.
01
Form I-140The petition for an alien worker, which you file for yourself.
02
Form ETA-750BThe applicant’s statement of qualifications, filed with the petition.
03
Proof of an advanced degree or exceptional abilityDegrees with evaluations where they are foreign, or the evidence of exceptional ability in your field.
04
The petition letterThe argument itself: what the endeavor is, why it has substantial merit and national significance, and why waiving the job offer benefits the United States.
05
Letters of recommendationFrom people who can speak to the work and its adoption, including some with no personal connection to you. Independent letters carry more weight than friendly ones.
06
AffidavitsWhere a fact about your record needs somebody to attest to it directly.
07
The record of impactPublications and citation data, patents, grants, adoption of your work by others, media or industry coverage, whatever exists in your field.
Since 2010immigration law
Why Nossa Law
The Assessment Comes Before the Petition
An NIW is an argument built from a record. The useful work is deciding whether the record carries the argument, and that judgement happens before anybody drafts a petition letter.
Pablo Nossa has practiced immigration law and nothing else since 2010, across both the employment and the family side of the practice. That matters more here than it sounds: an NIW petitioner often has a spouse, children and a status to maintain while the case runs, and those are the same firm’s problem rather than somebody else’s.
He takes the consultation himself and gives clients his cell number. The firm also tells you plainly when it does not see a viable route, which on an NIW means saying that an endeavor is not of national significance before a fee is agreed rather than after a denial.
- Immigration law since 2010, and no other practice area
- Employment and family matters handled by the same firm
- AILA member, with a J.D. from the University of Texas at Austin
- Upfront pricing and flat-fee rates
Clients on working with Pablo
What People Say After the Case Closes
★★★★★
I don’t know where to start. I absolutely loved working with Pablo. My husband and I received our green cards (EB-2 NIW), and I cannot thank Pablo enough. He was amazing to work with—very responsive, kind, and professional. I cannot recommend him highly enough.
Yuliia S.★★★★★
When my Wife and I started this process we interviewed several immigration attorneys and one Law Firm stood out well above all others; Nossa Law Firm. Pablo Nossa and his staff took care of all of our needs and provided excellent feedback and guidance throughout our immigration process. The Nossa Law Firm provided transparency and clarity as well as compassion for my family and I. I can’t thank Pablo and his team enough for their excellent service. I highly recommend the Nossa Law Firm to advocate on your behalf and guide you through the complexities of the immigration process. To those newly navigating the immigration process, please be mindful of the following: Yes, the processes takes time, Pablo explained the process with great detail and provided comprehensive, honest and realistic timelines. Yes, you need to choose an Attorney to assist you with the process, do not attempt the immigration process without legal Counsel. Keep good documentation (Pictures, Travel Itinerary, Communications with your love ones, …etc.) Don’t be scared of raising any issue of concern with your legal counsel, they are there to help make sense of this difficult process. Think with your head; sometimes your heart wants something so bad that emotions take over and you don’t make good decisions in such a state (I owe a big thanks to my incredible wife and Pablo in this regard for helping me understand the process). Be completely honest throughout the process. Last, but most importantly be patient, you are working with the government… Things take time!!! Trust the Nossa Law Firm to handle your immigration needs, they are very knowledgeable, experienced and will provide you with unmatched representation. Meeks’ Family
Travis M.★★★★★
Very happy with Nossa Law’s help! Here was our situation. My wife was immigrating to the US, and obviously it was extremely important for our case to go through with as little issues as possible. He is extremely responsible and flexible with his schedule! He met with us on a Sunday one day, and also at 7pm during the week since my work schedule didn’t lend itself well to meet at another time. He replied to all our or questions, and even after having to move to another city during our case processing, he was even able to meet with us via Skype. Definitely went beyond the extra mile with us, so very happy to recommend. Needless to say that our case was successful, and my wife has her Permanent Resident status now. We ‘shopped around’ and met with 2 immigration lawyers prior to meeting with Pablo Nossa. Other lawyers either first had us meet with a paralegal rather than talk to a lawyer, or when we had a follow-up question it was extremely difficult to actually get a response from the lawyer itself (I can let you know separately who these lawyers were if needed). Pablo’s advice was right on, so he proved to be fully knowledgeable. We had a ton of questions for him, and he was very patient and exact with his answers. Very professional. Two thumbs up. Better than advertised. Let me know if you need any other information and I’ll be glad to help. We found Pablo using Google, so we’ll only be happy to provide more details on our experience.
Juan G.★★★★★
Highly recommend Pablo for all immigration matters. As an attorney, he is extremely knowledgeable about all of the immigration processes and timelines and can work with you to make sure your application is complete and filed correctly, which is fundamental in making sure your application is reviewed and accepted. We worked with Pablo for my wife to change her status and get a Green Card once already in the US and Pablo was able to get it done much faster that we ever would have estimated to be possible. Anybody taking the time to read these reviews I’m sure has done their research and assumes that all of the immigration documents were created to be filled out by regular people, but the problem with this is that there are so many forms that have to be filled out and submitted in a certain order that if it isn’t done correctly you can set your application processing back by several months. I am certain that working with a knowledgeable lawyer like Pablo is definitely worth the investment as you can rest assured that things are getting done correctly and expediently. The other huge benefit is being able to ask Pablo questions 24/7 by email, text message or phone call and he gets back to you within minutes. Highly recommend Pablo, we are going to be using him on all immigration issues moving forward.
A Y.★★★★★
Pablo does excellent work, all my experience with him was SUPER positive! He agreed to meet me and to answer my questions even before I hired him, and not just for 5 min, but really took time to explain everything. Actually I even met him more than once before I signed anything. I could always call him, and every time, I only got polite, honest and EXACT answers to my questions. Im quite lucky that I found him, because I ve shopped around and I know that other companies want you to pay 200 hundred even before you open your mouth with a question. When I needed, he even agreed to meet me on his day off, which I really needed, because all my work days were so busy. My case was the greencard, he guided me through the process, telling me every next step, and everything was always happening just like he was saying, and in time that he would predict. My recommendation to everyone – just meet Pablo once, and you will instantly understand that he is the lawyer you can trust. To my surprise in addition to everything, the price was absolutely reasonable, I previously got quotes from different places, so I know what im talking about. All in all my process took from the beginning of November to the end of January, so it just took 3 months for my greencard to get approved! All I can say is Thank You
Serge R.★★★★★
I never write reviews but these guys deserve my time, because they gave us so much of theirs – so helpful!!! Anyway, my friend’s green card had been expired for a year and he was too scared to even look into fixing the problem. I wanted to help him so while searching, I came across Nossa law, and reached out to Pablo to see if he could do anything. He began by first explaining the full extent of the situation in a way we could understand, then went through the step by step process of what we were in for. By the end of our first meeting we were fully knowledgeable. My friend went from scared to educated and empowered, ready to move forward to fix his immigration issues. Pablo kept in contact with us regularly so we were actually able to understand what was going on throughout the process. Thank you Pablo and the sweet people at Nossa law for working to make the renewal process so seamless. Pablo even went so far as to help my friend’s mom come visit from Mumbai. He genuinely cared to help us, and he is clearly experienced and good at what he does. Dealing with immigration stuff sucks plus it’s so confusing, these guys really know how to make it less of a burden. Highly recommmend!!!!!!
Angela E.★★★★★
Mr. Nossa and his Team are the best immigration law office, second to none. After interviewing with a few immigration attorneys, we felt right at home when we met with Mr. Nossa. His staff is kind, compassionate and professional. He is very knowledgeable and instills trust from the get go. Our case lasted many years. Six to be exact. It was not an easy one and we hit several roadblocks along the way. Every time things got scary, he would redirect and re-strategize in a very calm and collected way. Another key point here is financials: we tend to think that a lawyer will cost us an arm and a leg, and although that is true for the minority of law offices, Nossa Law is very reasonable with the cost of their professional services. Do not be afraid to meet with them and get a road map as well as pricing. You’ll be happy you did. Lastly, their success rate is very high. Just by reading the 200+ reviews on here you will understand how good they are. I am happy to report out difficult case had a happy ending and everything came out successfully. Thank you Mr. Nossa and Team, you guys are AMAZING!
Alfredo A.★★★★★
My Journey with Mr Nossa goes back to 2013, that is when I meet him for the first time and spoke to him for about 20 minutes,by the time I was done with the initial consultation, I was happy and assured that I found a great competing talent in Mr Nossa who would fight for me and be there for me in every step of this long immigration battle. I have used Mr Nossa’s services twice during these 5 years and will be using him again for my Naturalization. He is more of a personal confidant than an attorney to me and he never treated me like a client ,always address me like a close friend. Mr Nossa personally gave me his cell phone number and was always a text away and he responds with in minutes. Immigration is a life changing event in one’s life if you want to leave your home country and live in the United States. Putting your case in the right hands is crucial for this process. Mr Nossa has the enthusiasm to work on immigration cases and to finish each case perfectly. I am one hundred percent satisfied with the legal service I got from this law firm, and recommend it to all.
Sundeep R.★★★★★
As a lawyer myself, I get a lot of legal questions from people on a wide range of issues. Being a real estate & land use attorney, most such questions are not within my realm of expertise or specialization. Enter Nossa Law (specifically Pablo Nossa). I’ve referred several people to Nossa Law who came to me with immigration issues/questions, and each and every one has made a point of letting me know that they were extremely satisfied with and appreciative of Pablo and his work. The resounding consensus is that Pablo possesses a deep understanding of immigration law, a genuine care for each client that underpins his unparalleled ability to effectively communicate the unique issues each client faces in approachable terms, and the experience to implement a strategy to overcome the hurdles faced by the client (to the extent they are legally surmountable). I will continue to refer each and every person I know that needs assistance navigating immigration issues to Pablo Nossa of Nossa Law. You would be wise to call Nossa Law if you or someone you know have has immigration issue.
Zeca M.★★★★★
Found Mr. Nossa through google after calling a few other attorney’s prior who were not much help, asked for a consultation fee, etc. Mr. Nossa agreed to meet quickly, the same day. He explained the process in detail and sounded confident. He offered a payment plan, but we agreed just to pay full upfront. His assistant rapidly sent us all the items required, and he drafted up the forms very quickly. He express shipped everything over quickly for processing. We even received a travel permit as requested in time for our travels. 1. You can text Mr. Nossa at anytime and he responds regardless of time 2. You can call Mr. Nossa on his mobile whenever you need 3. He is extremely professional and just works very quickly If you need an immigration attorney he is the go to person. I just could not believe how effortless this entire process was. What really helped ease the process was the communication and him responding ASAP when we had questions or concers. Finding Mr. Nossa was just blessing period!
K L.★★★★★
3 years ago, when I decided to once for all work on immigration papers, I did like many would do, ask friends and go online. What I felt at that time when reading Pablo’s reviews was that he was personable. That’s exactly that. He was available along the journey at every step and one phone call away. His team with Adriana and others is top notch. Very detail oriented, very knowledgeable, respectful and compassionate. You get confident knowing you have the best on your side. I thank all of them for what they do. His attorney fee is ridiculously low compared to the work they put in and the time it takes for the whole process. I received my green card (10yrs) and I’m for ever grateful to him. You can call him, you can text him and he’ll respond. It’s like having a powerful lawyer as a best friend! This guy will be blessed for years because of all the good he does. From the Diop family!
Ibrahima D.★★★★★
It is really rare to find such a talented, helpful and knowledgeable lawyer like Pablo. Our experience with him has been extremely pleasant. Due to some complications, we were really worried. But, during our first consultation he took his time to listen to our concerns and instantly put our mind at ease. Throughout the process that took over a year, he was always available to answer our questions and help us understand all the processes thoroughly and patiently. No matter what time of the day it was, he always replied to our texts within few minutes. Now that the process is complete, we have nothing but kind words for him to help us get through this time when we needed solid legal guidance. I strongly recommend that anyone who is seeking for a talented and reliable immigration lawyer should contact his office immediately. I guarantee that you will be glad that you hired him!
Ahmed H.Every case is different. Past results and timelines do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Since 2010immigration law
Your attorney
Pablo Nossa
Principal attorney, and the person who conducts the consultation. J.D., University of Texas at Austin, and a B.A. in Latin American Studies. Practicing immigration law since 2010, from the Austin and Houston offices.
AILA memberSuper Lawyers, selected 2020Lawyers of DistinctionExpertise.com, 2018
About PabloQuestions we hear most
Questions People Ask First
What is an EB-2 NIW?
A national interest waiver inside the EB-2 employment category. It waives the job offer and labor certification requirements, so you petition for a green card yourself on the basis that your work benefits the United States.
Is the NIW EB-1 or EB-2?
EB-2. The confusion is understandable, because both EB-1 and EB-2 can be self-petitioned in some form and neither needs a labor certification when you petition. But the national interest waiver is a feature of EB-2, and it is assessed on the EB-2 standard.
Do I need an employer or a job offer?
No. That is the defining feature of the route. Unlike other employment-based green cards, you can self-petition without any sponsorship, which also means no employer can withdraw the petition and changing jobs does not end the case, and the adjustment application that follows is yours as well.
What do I have to prove?
Four things: that the endeavor has substantial merit and national significance, that you have the background and record to advance it, that you are capable of succeeding in it, and that the United States would benefit from waiving the job offer requirement. All four, not three of four.
How is it different from EB-1A?
EB-1A is for extraordinary ability and the bar is higher, but it is not numerically pressured in the same way. If your record would genuinely support EB-1A, that is worth establishing before you file an NIW. The comparison table above sets the differences out.
How long does an EB-2 NIW take?
Two separate waits, often confused. USCIS publishes I-140 processing times, and premium processing exists for some petitions. Separately, EB-2 is numerically limited, so the Visa Bulletin governs when you can apply for the green card itself, and country of birth affects that.
What if my petition is denied?
A denial is not the end of the route, and what is available depends on why it was refused. Which is why the assessment matters: the point of reading a record honestly at the start is to avoid a denial that makes the next attempt harder.
What does it cost?
USCIS sets its filing fees, including the premium processing fee where it applies, and publishes them on its own fee schedule. Those change. The attorney's fee is separate, and Nossa Law works on upfront pricing and flat-fee rates.
Where we are
Two Offices, One Attorney
Consultations with the attorney at either office.
Austin
7000 N Mopac Expy, Suite 200, Austin, TX 78731
Monday to Friday, 9 to 5
Houston
2950 North Loop West, Suite 500, Houston, TX 77092
Monday to Friday, 9 to 5
Start here
Have Your Record Assessed First
The petition is worth writing once you know the record supports it.
- Bring your CV, your publication or patent record, and any funding or adoption evidence
- You will leave knowing whether the NIW, EB-1A or a sponsored route fits better
- Upfront pricing and flat-fee rates
Austin · 7000 N Mopac Expy, Suite 200, Austin, TX 78731
Houston · 2950 North Loop West, Suite 500, Houston, TX 77092
Monday to Friday, 9 to 5 · pablo@nossalaw.com
General information as of October 2026, not legal advice about your case. Nossa Law Office, P.C., Austin and Houston, Texas. Attorney advertising.
Contact
(713) 599-1633pablo@nossalaw.com
Austin7000 N Mopac Expy, Suite 200
Austin, TX 78731
Directions
Houston2950 North Loop West, Suite 500
Houston, TX 77092
Directions
Monday to Friday, 9 to 5