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Which course would interest you more?
I’d love to get your feedback on what our next course should be. We currently offer a free introductory course on EB-2 NIW (available in the “classroom” section above), and we’d like to know which topics you would find most helpful for us to cover next.
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FROM RFE TO APPROVAL
Last week, our team was analyzing recent cases where we turned an RFE (Request for Additional Evidence*) into an approval, both from cases that we originally prepared and cases from people who came to us with an RFE after preparing the petition by themselves (or using another firm). Because the EB-2 NIW visa has become more and more about nuance and perception, we compared these cases with others that did not end up being successful, even when the petition, the supporting documentation, and the person’s background would, at first, suggest otherwise. This is a very important exercise we do to almost daily to enhance our understanding of what officers are focusing on right now, how immigration trends are shifiting, and ultimately, maintain approvals at a high rate. What we noticed is that the perception of a clear endeavor implementation path versus a robust, but theoretical plan was the key difference between cases that got approved and cases that didn’t. Cases that, in theory, had lower chances of approval surpassed strong cases with conciseness, a clear implementation plan, and real interest from U.S. parties in adopting the proposed endeavor. One could argument that Matter of Dhanasar is all about “prospective potential” impact, and I agree. But the art of the game is playing by the officer’s rules and anticipating their attempt to shift the goalpost (which happens A LOT). The art of the game is also knowing which parts of Dhanasar officers have completely abandoned and how far in the RFE response they will actually read (and accept). Many people try (sometimes with a lot of reason) to fight officers in their RFE response. But between being right and getting an approval, the latter is cheaper, better, faster, and easier. ----------------------------- * Request for Additional Evidence, or "RFE", is when the immigration asks for additional information or documentation after you submitted your petition. These can be just administrative and smaller requests to dozens of pages of additional documentation. RFEs usually come with a 3-month deadline to respond, which can cause a lot of anxiety for people who are not familiar with this process.
How Much Does the Green Card Process Cost? Part 1
That's one of the most asked questions among EB-2 NIW candidates. The short answer: it depends on your situation AND location. The amounts below are estimates as of April 1, 2026 and can vary. For precise data, you can access USCIS' fee schedule. 𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐈𝐋𝐄𝐑: - Single applicant (U.S.): from ~$2,655 + optional fees - Family of 4 (U.S.): from ~$6,595+ optional fees - Single applicant (abroad): from ~$1,795+ optional fees - Family of 4 (abroad): from ~$3,535+ optional fees - Attorney fees: typically $8K–$12K There are 3 main cost categories: - Government fees - Attorney fees (optional but common - will discuss in Part 2) - Supporting documents (will discuss in Part 3) Key Government Fees: $1,015 – Petition filing (required, one-time, not per person) $2,965 – Premium processing (optional, speeds decision to 45 business days vs 2+ years) After approval, costs depend on your location. If you are in the U.S. (Adjustment of Status): • $1,440 per adult / $950 per child (required) • ~$200+ medical exam per person (required) • $260 work permit per person (optional) • $630 travel permit per person (optional) If you are abroad (Consular Processing): • $365 visa fee per person (required) • ~$200+ medical exam per person (required) • $235 green card fee per person (required) The EB-2 NIW is a major investment, but understanding the structure of costs helps you plan strategically and avoid surprises. 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 2: I will break down attorney fees and what you can expect from the lower, average, and higher end.
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Welcome to The Green Card Lab!!!
Welcome to the best U.S. immigration community on Skool!!! This is the best place for founders and industry professionals to learn about immigrating to the U.S. and obtaining their green card! Over time, this community will grow into a hub of valuable resources, including educational content on U.S. immigration pathways, case studies, discussions with other founders and professionals on similar journeys, and Q&A sessions and community support! One of the most valuable aspects of this community is that we are joined by Gewählt Law's immigration attorney, Philip Ahn. Philip, who is licensed in Maryland and can practice immigration nationwide, will occasionally participate in discussions and share general insights and guidance on immigration topics, helping members better understand important legal aspects of the process. (Please note that discussions here are for general educational purposes and do not constitute attorney-client relationship.) We’d love to get to know you! In the comments, please share your background, which immigration pathway you're exploring, and what you hope to learn from this community. Welcome to The Green Card Lab!!! We're excited to build this community together!!!
Our First Free Course on EB-2 NIW!!!
Our first, free introductory course is here!!! https://www.skool.com/the-green-card-lab/classroom/823d901f
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The Green Card Lab
skool.com/the-green-card-lab
The best U.S. immigration community on Skool for founders and industry professionals!
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