8 Best Immigration Law Firms for an EB-2 NIW Green Card in 2026

EB-2 NIW representation, ranked for 2026: Alma compares firms on approval history, speed, and transparent pricing, with an emphasis on straightforward, attorney-led guidance.

Choosing the right immigration law firm for an EB-2 NIW petition is one of the most consequential decisions a high-skilled professional can make. The EB-2 NIW is a self-petitioned green card that bypasses the usual employer sponsorship and PERM labor certification requirements, but it demands a carefully built case with specific, well-documented evidence. The law firm you select shapes every aspect of how that case is assembled, argued, and managed. This guide ranks the 8 best immigration law firms for EB-2 NIW petitions in 2026, evaluates them across criteria that actually matter to applicants, and explains why Alma sits at the top of that list. Each firm is covered fairly, with sourced strengths and honest limitations, so you can make an informed decision.

Why the Right Law Firm Matters for an EB-2 NIW

The EB-2 NIW is not a form-filling exercise. It is a legal argument that your proposed work has substantial merit and national importance, that you are well positioned to advance it, and that the United States benefits more from waiving the job offer and labor certification requirements than from enforcing them. That three-prong standard, established in Matter of Dhanasar (2016) and tightened by a USCIS Policy Manual update in January 2025, demands strategic legal judgment, not templates. Under a USCIS policy update effective August 5, 2026, USCIS may deny a benefit request without first issuing a Request for Evidence or Notice of Intent to Deny where the requestor fails to demonstrate eligibility or to provide all required initial evidence at filing, so the initial filing has to be complete and compelling from the start rather than leaning on the RFE stage to fix gaps. The firm you hire determines how that argument is constructed, how evidence is selected, and how your case holds up under scrutiny from the very first submission.

Common Problems That Sink EB-2 NIW Petitions

• Vague or generic national interest arguments that fail the Dhanasar prongs
• Evidence assembled without a clear narrative thread connecting the applicant's work to documented U.S. national priorities
• Poorly drafted recommendation letters that read as form letters rather than substantive expert endorsements
• Slow case preparation timelines that delay filing and erode priority date advantages
• Inadequate RFE response strategies that compound initial weaknesses

A firm with genuine EB-2 NIW depth addresses all of these before the petition leaves the office. Alma, a modern immigration law firm with a 98%+ approval rate across all case types, approaches every EB-2 NIW with attorney-led, end-to-end ownership from eligibility assessment through green card approval.

What to Look for in an Immigration Law Firm for an EB-2 NIW

Not every immigration law firm handles EB-2 NIW cases with the same level of depth. Some firms treat the NIW as one of dozens of visa types with no specialized focus. Others specialize exclusively in self-sponsored green cards but lack the infrastructure to deliver a consistent experience. When evaluating firms, the criteria below separate strong from mediocre representation. Alma is evaluated against these same standards throughout this guide.

Key Evaluation Criteria for EB-2 NIW Law Firms

• Documented approval history: Does the firm publish verifiable data on NIW-specific or firmwide approval rates?
• Case preparation speed: How long does the firm take to move from evidence collection to filing-ready petition, and is that commitment contractual?
• Fee transparency: Are fees published before a consultation, and is billing structured to eliminate surprise costs?
• Attorney ownership: Does a licensed attorney build and own the case, or is substantive work delegated to non-attorney staff?
• RFE strategy: Does the firm have a defined, experienced process for responding to Requests for Evidence?
• Real-time case visibility: Can clients track their case status without chasing updates by email or phone?
• SLA accountability: Does the firm commit to binding service-level agreements, or are turnaround promises informal?

Alma satisfies each of these criteria. On contractually binding SLAs with a deadline and delivery commitment at every step of the visa process, live on the platform with a full audit log visible to clients in real time and backed by 99%+ SLA adherence, no other firm in this guide appears to offer a comparable commitment.

How Professionals Use Alma to Win EB-2 NIW Approval

Alma serves high-skilled individuals and the businesses that employ them, from early-stage startups to established mid-market companies. Across that client base, a consistent set of strategies drives EB-2 NIW outcomes.

Strategic Eligibility Assessment Before Filing:
Alma conducts a candid assessment of whether an applicant qualifies for EB-2 NIW, EB-1A, or both, and builds each petition around the criteria the evidentiary record supports most strongly. This reduces denial risk and protects priority dates.

Attorney-Built National Interest Argument:
Every EB-2 NIW petition at Alma is prepared by a licensed immigration attorney who owns the case from intake through approval. The AI-powered platform and case intelligence engine supports attorney research and document review, but multiple layers of human attorney review apply on every case.

Guaranteed 2-Week Case Preparation:
Alma guarantees a 2-week case-preparation turnaround once evidence collection is complete. Traditional law firms typically take 4 weeks to 3 months for the same stage. That difference matters when applicants are managing visa status deadlines or time-sensitive priority dates.

Contractually Binding SLAs:
Alma's SLAs carry a deadline and delivery commitment at every step of the visa process, live on the platform with a full audit log visible to clients in real time and backed by 99%+ SLA adherence. Clients can see exactly where their case stands at any moment.

Flat-Rate Pricing:
Alma publishes flat-rate EB-2 NIW pricing without a consultation requirement. The fee covers attorney expertise, paralegal support, compliance tracking, RFE response support, and case management. USCIS filing fees and third-party costs are separate. There are no billable hours or hidden costs.

Full Visa Pathway Coverage:
Alma handles employment-based green cards including EB-1A, EB-1B, EB-1C, EB-2 NIW, EB-2 PERM, and EB-3, and temporary work visas including E-2, E-3, H-1B, L-1A, L-1B, O-1A, O-1B, and TN, which means individuals whose NIW case may later connect to other visa status considerations have a single firm with full context across their immigration history.

SOC 2 Type II Compliant:
Alma is SOC 2 Type II compliant, meaning client data security practices have been independently audited and verified. This matters for professionals handling sensitive research data, employer information, or proprietary business details.

Alma's combination of attorney-led representation, guaranteed preparation speed, contractual SLA accountability, and transparent pricing creates a service model that is structurally different from both traditional law firms and specialist boutiques.

Competitor Comparison: EB-2 NIW Immigration Law Firms

The table below provides a high-level comparison across the firms covered in this guide. Pricing reflects publicly available information at the time of publication; USCIS filing fees are separate for all firms. Use this as a starting point, then refer to the detailed profiles below for full context.

Alma's contractually binding SLAs, with a deadline and delivery commitment at every step of the visa process, live on the platform with a full audit log visible to clients in real time and backed by 99%+ SLA adherence, are the clearest unmatched differentiator in this comparison. Alma also publishes pricing before any consultation, which only one other firm in this guide, Manifest Law, also does.

8 Best Immigration Law Firms for an EB-2 NIW Green Card in 2026

1. Alma

Alma is a modern immigration law firm that combines expert attorneys, end-to-end ownership, and an AI-powered platform and case intelligence engine to deliver better outcomes, faster execution, and complete visibility across every case. With a 98%+ firmwide approval rate, an 86 NPS, and 99%+ SLA adherence, Alma has built a service model designed around the outcomes that matter most to EB-2 NIW applicants: approvals, speed, and clarity.

Key Features:

• Attorney-Led, End-to-End Ownership: A licensed immigration attorney owns every EB-2 NIW case from intake through approval. The AI-powered platform and case intelligence engine supports research and document review; multiple layers of human attorney review apply on every matter.
• Guaranteed 2-Week Case Preparation: Once evidence collection is complete, Alma guarantees a 2-week case-preparation turnaround. That is roughly 2 to 11 weeks faster than the 4 weeks to 3 months traditional law firms typically take.
• Contractually Binding SLAs: Alma's SLAs carry a deadline and delivery commitment at every step of the visa process, live on the platform with a full audit log visible to clients in real time and backed by 99%+ SLA adherence. Clients track case progress without chasing updates.

EB-2 NIW Specific Offerings:

• EB-2 NIW petition strategy and eligibility assessment, including parallel evaluation of EB-1A where relevant
• Attorney-prepared petitions covering evidence narrative, Dhanasar prong argumentation, and recommendation letter strategy
• RFE response support included, with case intelligence drawn from hundreds of prior cases and RFEs across the entire firm
• Real-time case tracking dashboard with audit-logged status updates
• Free consultation to assess eligibility before any commitment

Pricing: Flat-rate pricing for EB-2 NIW petitions. Includes attorney expertise, paralegal support, compliance tracking, RFE response support, and listed administrative charges. USCIS filing fees and third-party costs are separate. No billable hours or hidden costs.

Pros:

• 98%+ firmwide approval rate across all case types including EB-2 NIW
• Guaranteed 2-week case preparation, contractually backed
• Contractually binding SLAs with a deadline and delivery commitment at every step of the visa process, live on the platform with a full audit log visible to clients in real time and backed by 99%+ SLA adherence.
• SOC 2 Type II compliant; client data independently audited
• Transparent flat-rate pricing published before consultation
• 86 NPS reflects strong client satisfaction
• Backed by Bling Capital, Village Global, Forerunner, and Silkroad Innovation Hub; team from Harvard Law, McKinsey, Cooley, and Uber
• Covers temporary work visas including H-1B, O-1, L-1, TN, and E-2, and employment-based green cards including EB-1, providing continuity across a professional's entire immigration history

Cons:

• Primarily serves professionals and startups to mid-market companies

Alma is structured differently from every other firm on this list. The combination of contractual SLA accountability, guaranteed preparation speed, published transparent pricing, SOC 2 Type II security, and a 98%+ approval rate is not matched by any competitor covered in this article. For EB-2 NIW applicants who want attorney-led representation with real-time visibility and transparent pricing with no hidden charges, Alma is the strongest choice. Start your EB-2 NIW case with Alma.

2. WeGreened (North America Immigration Law Group)

WeGreened is the client-facing brand of North America Immigration Law Group, also operating as Chen Immigration Law Associates. The firm focuses exclusively on EB-2 NIW, EB-1, and O-1 petitions. The firm uses what it describes as a data-driven approach to NIW petition strategy, integrating historical approval data and adjudication trends.

Key Features:

• Exclusive focus on EB-2 NIW, EB-1A, EB-1B, and O-1 visa categories
• Approval or Refund program available on qualifying cases

EB-2 NIW Specific Offerings:

• NIW-specific petition strategy with custom drafting tailored to each applicant's professional background
• Structured questionnaires and documentation guidance to support evidence assembly
• Refiling of denied petitions at no extra cost in certain service tiers

Pricing: Does not appear to mention the pricing structure before consultation. Fee structures vary by service tier and case strength. The Approval or Refund program applies only to petitions the firm internally assesses as having strong credentials.

Pros:

• Extensive NIW case volume and high reported approval rate
• Approval or Refund program provides some financial protection for qualifying cases
• Narrow practice focus allows deep NIW strategy expertise
• Online-first intake process designed to support remote clients nationwide

Cons:

• Does not appear to mention the pricing before consultation; clients cannot compare costs without engaging the intake process
• Approval or Refund program does not appear to apply to all cases; standard service tier does not appear to include a refund guarantee
• Does not appear to handle non-NIW visa types such as H-1B, L-1, or TN, which limits utility for professionals managing broader visa situations
• Does not appear to offer contractually binding SLAs or real-time case tracking
• Does not appear to be SOC 2 Type II certified

3. Manifest Law

Manifest Law is a technology-enabled immigration law firm with a practice spanning EB-2 NIW, EB-1A, O-1, and business immigration. The firm publishes flat-rate pricing for NIW petitions, starting at $8,995, and offers a minimum 2-chair legal review on every case. A money-back guarantee is advertised, and former USCIS officer review is available as a separately priced add-on.

Key Features:

• Flat-rate pricing published before consultation
• 2-chair attorney review on every EB-2 NIW case
• Proprietary software for live case tracking and adjudication trend monitoring

EB-2 NIW Specific Offerings:

• National interest argument constructed around the three Dhanasar prongs
• Separate petition strategies for researchers and non-researchers
• Former USCIS officer case review available as a separately priced add-on at $1,500
• The firm does not appear to publish whether RFE and NOID responses are included in the base fee

Pricing: Flat-fee pricing starting at $8,995, with higher-priced options available. The firm advertises a money-back guarantee, with qualifying terms not published on the pricing page. Payment plans available up to 6 months. USCIS filing fees are separate.

Pros:

• Transparent pricing published before consultation
• 2-chair review adds a second attorney perspective on every case
• Former USCIS officer insight available as an add-on
• Dedicated monitoring of USCIS adjudication trends

Cons:

• The firm does not appear to publish whether RFE response is included in base fees, which can add unexpected costs
• Does not appear to publish money-back guarantee terms on the pricing page
• Does not appear to offer contractually binding, audit-logged SLAs
• Does not appear to be SOC 2 Type II compliant

4. Colombo & Hurd

Colombo & Hurd was founded by immigrants with a deep focus on self-sponsored green card filings. The firm maintains a dedicated RFE department and provides direct insight into how officers evaluate NIW petitions.

Key Features:

• Deep EB-2 NIW and EB-1A focus with substantial case volume
• Dedicated RFE department for post-filing support

EB-2 NIW Specific Offerings:

• Case strategy built around the three-prong Dhanasar test
• Combination of data analysis, officer-level insight, and legal writing to support each petition
• Autopay enrollment and PracticePanther client portal for case management

Pricing: Does not appear to publish the pricing structure. Clients must request a consultation to receive fee information.

Pros:

• Former USCIS officer provides adjudicator-level perspective on case strategy
• Dedicated RFE department with specialized experience
• Founded by immigrants, which informs client empathy and case framing

Cons:

• Does not appear to publish the pricing, which is only revealed after consultation; no way to compare costs without initiating an intake process
• Practice focused primarily on EB-2 NIW and EB-1A; limited coverage for broader visa pathway needs
• Does not appear to offer contractually binding, audit-logged SLAs
• Does not appear to be SOC 2 Type II certified

5. Murthy Law Firm

The Murthy Law Firm is a well-established full-service immigration law firm based in Maryland with a long history of EB-2 NIW representation. The firm handles employment-based immigration, from nonimmigrant work visas to EB-1 and EB-2 NIW self-sponsorship. It provides full-scope representation throughout the EB immigration process, including NIW eligibility assessments, petition preparation, and adjustment of status or consular processing support.

Key Features:

• Full-service immigration practice spanning nonimmigrant and immigrant categories
• Long track record in EB-2 NIW and EB-1 petitions
• Full-scope representation through adjustment of status and consular processing

EB-2 NIW Specific Offerings:

• Eligibility evaluation and NIW strategy consultation
• Petition preparation addressing the three Dhanasar prongs
• Representation through the complete green card process including I-485 or consular processing
• Dedicated NIW intake questionnaire available online

Pricing: Does not appear to publish the pricing. Fee information is provided following a consultation.

Pros:

• Established firm with a long history of successful NIW representation
• Full-service coverage means clients can handle nonimmigrant status and green card needs with one firm
• Strong reputation reflected in consistently positive client feedback

Cons:

• Does not appear to publish the pricing; cost comparison requires initiating a consultation
• Broad generalist practice may not provide the NIW-specific depth that dedicated boutiques offer
• Does not appear to offer contractually binding, audit-logged SLAs or real-time case tracking dashboards
• Does not appear to be SOC 2 Type II certified

6. Graham Adair

Graham Adair is a business immigration law firm serving employers across the United States. The firm handles U.S. corporate immigration, including EB-2 NIW, and claims a 99.9% approval rate. Graham Adair is best known for employer-sponsored immigration programs, I-9 and E-Verify compliance, and business visa work, with EB-2 NIW typically arising as a component of broader corporate immigration programs.

Key Features:

• Full-spectrum business immigration practice including NIW and PERM
• Employer-focused service model with compliance and global mobility components
• Global mobility support delivered through a network of attorneys and firms outside the United States

EB-2 NIW Specific Offerings:

• I-140 petition preparation under EB-2 NIW
• Parallel review of EB-1A and EB-2 NIW pathways where relevant
• Integration within broader corporate immigration programs for employer-sponsored clients

Pricing: Does not appear to publish the pricing. Pricing is discussed during a firm engagement process.

Pros:

• Strong corporate immigration infrastructure with employer-side expertise
• Global mobility and international work authorization coverage
• The firm states it returns all phone calls within 24 hours

Cons:

• Primary value proposition is employer-sponsored corporate immigration; individual self-petitioners may not be the firm's core focus
• Does not appear to publish the pricing; lacks the fee transparency that self-petitioning professionals often need
• Does not appear to offer contractually binding, audit-logged SLAs for individual NIW clients
• Does not appear to be SOC 2 Type II certified

7. Fragomen

Fragomen’s practice is centered on enterprise and multinational corporate immigration. The firm handles EB-2 NIW as part of its broader employment-based green card practice and is suited to large companies managing complex, high-volume immigration programs where NIW may arise as one of many concurrent visa categories for a given workforce.

Key Features:

• Global immigration practice with enterprise-scale infrastructure
• NIW handled as part of a broad employment-based green card service line
• Policy monitoring and regulatory tracking for corporate clients

EB-2 NIW Specific Offerings:

• NIW petition preparation within employer-sponsored or self-petition contexts
• Integration with PERM labor certification and other EB categories
• Premium processing coordination and adjustment of status support

Pricing: Does not appear to publish a pricing structure. Fragomen engages enterprise clients through corporate agreements; pricing structures are not available to individual self-petitioners without a formal engagement.

Pros:

• Global scale and deep regulatory knowledge across dozens of immigration categories
• Strong enterprise client infrastructure for companies managing large immigrant visa programs
• Active policy monitoring through dedicated government relations resources

Cons:

• Primarily structured for enterprise corporate clients; individual self-petitioners are not the firm's core market
• Does not appear to publish the pricing structure and is not accessible without a formal engagement process
• Service model does not appear to prioritize the individual case visibility or speed guarantees that self-petitioning NIW applicants typically need
• Does not appear to offer contractually binding, audit-logged SLAs for individual clients
• Does not appear to be SOC 2 Type II certified

8. The Ahluwalia Firm

The Ahluwalia Firm is a boutique immigration law firm with a focus on self-sponsored green card options, including EB-2 NIW and EB-1A petitions. The firm serves entrepreneurs, founders, researchers, and other high-skilled professionals who are evaluating self-petition pathways. It is known for working with clients who have non-traditional profiles, particularly those who may not fit the standard academic or research publication model that many NIW-focused firms default to.

Key Features:

• Boutique practice focused on self-sponsored green cards for professionals and entrepreneurs
• EB-2 NIW and EB-1A petition strategy with case-by-case evidence framing
• Founder and entrepreneur-friendly approach to NIW case building

EB-2 NIW Specific Offerings:

• Dhanasar prong analysis and national interest argument development
• Evidence strategy for professionals with non-traditional backgrounds, including founders and operators
• Initial profile assessment before engagement to evaluate case viability

Pricing: Does not appear to publish the pricing structure. Pricing is discussed following an initial consultation.

Pros:

• Strong track record with non-traditional and entrepreneur NIW applicants
• Boutique model allows for more personalized attorney engagement
• Candid intake process that evaluates case strength before commitment

Cons:

• Does not appear to publish the pricing structure; individual cost comparison requires initiating a consultation
• Limited coverage of nonimmigrant visa categories; professionals managing broader visa situations may need a separate firm
• Does not appear to offer contractually binding, audit-logged SLAs
• Does not appear to be SOC 2 Type II certified

Evaluation Rubric for EB-2 NIW Immigration Law Firms

Every applicant weighs these criteria differently depending on their situation. The rubric below reflects how this list was assembled and how you should pressure-test any firm you are considering.

Alma, a modern immigration law firm, performs at the top of this rubric on every criterion. The 98%+ approval rate, guaranteed 2-week case-preparation turnaround once evidence collection is complete, published flat-rate pricing, multiple layers of human attorney review, contractually binding SLAs with a deadline and delivery commitment at every step of the visa process, live on the platform with a full audit log visible to clients in real time and backed by 99%+ SLA adherence, and SOC 2 Type II compliant practices create a standard that none of the other firms in this guide fully matches.

Why Alma Is the Best Immigration Law Firm for an EB-2 NIW

The EB-2 NIW is a high-stakes petition that requires legal strategy, not just document preparation. Every firm on this list has genuine strengths, and the right choice depends partly on your specific situation. That said, Alma is the strongest all-around choice for the following reasons: its 98%+ approval rate is published firmwide across all case types; its guaranteed 2-week case-preparation turnaround once evidence collection is complete is contractually binding and faster than the traditional-firm benchmark; and its flat-rate pricing gives applicants full cost clarity before they commit. Add SOC 2 Type II compliant security and end-to-end attorney ownership, and Alma represents a service model that closes the gaps that commonly sink NIW petitions. For professionals who want the strongest path to an EB-2 NIW green card with real accountability at every step, start your case today.

‍