EB-2 NIW Checklist &Cost in Pakistan: Total Application Expenses Guide(2026)

Are you planning to apply for a US Green Card through the EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) from Pakistan? Understanding the total EB-2 NIW cost is an important step before starting your immigration process.

The overall cost may include USCIS petition filing fees, optional premium processing, attorney or petition preparation fees, document preparation, translations, medical examinations, and immigrant visa processing expenses.

For Pakistani applicants, the total expense depends on the complexity of the case, the professional assistance required, the number of family members applying, and the immigration process followed.

In this guide, we explain the major EB-2 NIW expenses, official US government fees, professional service costs, and additional expenses applicants should consider when preparing their budget in 2026.

1. What Is the Total EB-2 NIW Cost from Pakistan?

There is no single fixed price for an EB-2 NIW application because different expenses apply at different stages.

The main cost categories include:

• USCIS Form I-140 petition filing fee.
• Asylum Program Fee, where applicable.
• Optional premium processing fee.
• Immigration attorney or petition preparation fees.
• Educational credential evaluation, if required.
• Document translation and certification.
• Immigrant visa application fee.
• Medical examination and required vaccinations.
• Other document and travel-related expenses.

Some expenses are mandatory, while others depend on the applicant’s circumstances and preferences.

It is important to separate official government fees from professional service charges when calculating your total EB-2 NIW budget.

2. EB-2 NIW USCIS Filing Fees in 2026

The first major expense is filing Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

For an individual self-petitioner, the current standard government fees are:

The reduced Asylum Program Fee applies to qualifying small employers and individual self-petitioners under the relevant USCIS rules. The applicable fee should be confirmed using the current Form I-140 instructions and USCIS fee schedule before filing.

These fees are separate from any attorney or petition preparation charges.

For Pakistani applicants filing their own EB-2 NIW petitions, it is important to understand that the government filing fee is not the complete cost of the immigration process.

3. What Is the EB-2 NIW Premium Processing Fee?

USCIS offers premium processing for eligible EB-2 NIW Form I-140 petitions.

Premium processing is an optional service that allows applicants to request expedited adjudicative action on their petition by paying an additional fee.

As of 2026, the premium processing fee for eligible Form I-140 petitions is: USD 2,965

This fee is paid separately from the standard I-140 and applicable Asylum Program Fees.

For an individual self-petitioner, the initial government fee calculation with premium processing would be:

Premium processing does not guarantee petition approval. It also does not guarantee faster visa availability or completion of the entire green card process.

Applicants should decide whether this additional expense is appropriate for their circumstances.

4. EB-2 NIW Attorney Fees and Petition Preparation Costs

Another major part of the EB-2 NIW budget is professional assistance.

Some applicants prepare and file their petitions independently, while others seek assistance from qualified US immigration attorneys or other appropriately authorised professionals.

Professional fees may vary depending on:

• Complexity of the applicant’s professional profile.
• Educational and employment background.
• Amount of supporting evidence required.
• Proposed endeavor development.
• Petition preparation and legal review.
• Recommendation letter strategy.
• Additional services and follow-up support.

There is no government-fixed attorney fee for EB-2 NIW cases. Different professionals and firms may offer different service arrangements.

Before hiring an attorney or immigration service provider, applicants should understand exactly what is included in the quoted fee.

For example, does the service include eligibility assessment, proposed endeavor development, evidence organisation, petition drafting, filing support, and responses to Requests for Evidence (RFEs)?

A lower initial price does not necessarily mean that the entire application process is covered.

5. Additional EB-2 NIW Expenses for Pakistani Applicants

Apart from USCIS filing and professional service fees, applicants may need to budget for additional expenses.

Educational Credential Evaluation

Some applicants may need an evaluation of their foreign educational qualifications to establish their US degree equivalency.

The cost depends on the evaluation provider and the type of service required. Not every applicant will need a separate credential evaluation.

Document Translation

Documents originally issued in Urdu or another language must generally be accompanied by complete English translations when submitted to USCIS.

Translation expenses depend on the number, length, and type of documents.

Recommendation Letters and Supporting Evidence

Applicants may need to organise professional records, project documentation, research materials, and other supporting evidence.

Some of this preparation can be completed independently, while certain professional services may involve additional charges.

Medical Examination

After the petition stage and when proceeding with immigrant visa processing, applicants must complete an immigration medical examination with an authorised panel physician.

Medical examination, laboratory tests, and vaccination expenses are separate from the I-140 filing fees.

For Pakistani applicants, the US Embassy’s official Islamabad instructions explain the medical examination requirements and approved physician process.

Immigrant Visa Application Fee

After I-140 approval and when the case proceeds through consular processing, an employment-based immigrant visa application fee is required.

The current Department of State fee is:

USD 345 per applicant.

This is generally paid for each intending immigrant, including eligible family members applying for immigrant visas.

Other expenses may include passport documentation, police certificates, translations, and travel to the medical examination or visa interview.

6. EB-2 NIW Total Government Fees: Example Cost Calculation

To help Pakistani applicants understand the major government expenses, here are two illustrative calculations for one principal applicant.

Scenario A: Without Premium Processing

Scenario B: With Premium Processing

These calculations are illustrative and assume one principal applicant who qualifies for the individual self-petitioner Asylum Program Fee.

They do not include attorney fees, medical examinations, vaccinations, document preparation, translations, credential evaluation, or other personal expenses.

They also do not represent a guaranteed final cost for every applicant.

7. Does EB-2 NIW Cost More If You Apply With Your Family?

Yes. Applying with eligible family members can increase the overall immigration expenses.

Although the principal applicant files the I-140 petition, each eligible family member pursuing an immigrant visa generally has separate visa processing, medical examination, and applicable documentation expenses.

For example, a married applicant with two children should consider:

• Immigrant visa processing fees for each applicant.
• Medical examinations for each applicant.
• Required vaccinations.
• Passport and civil documentation.
• Translation and other supporting expenses.

Family members should be included in the overall financial planning from the beginning.

8. Is EB-2 NIW Worth the Investment?

Whether EB-2 NIW is worth the investment depends on your professional qualifications, long-term plans, proposed endeavor, and eligibility.

One of the major advantages of this immigration category is that an eligible applicant may self-petition without requiring a specific US job offer or employer-sponsored labor certification.

However, it is not a guaranteed immigration route. Applicants must satisfy the underlying EB-2 classification requirements and demonstrate that their proposed endeavor meets the National Interest Waiver criteria.

Before spending money on petition preparation, applicants should understand their eligibility and the evidence available to support their case.

You can explore our detailed guide explaining EB-2 NIW eligibility requirements and the documents Pakistani applicants should prepare before starting the application process.

9. How Can Pakistani Applicants Avoid Unnecessary EB-2 NIW Expenses?

Careful preparation can help applicants avoid unnecessary costs and repeated document preparation.

Consider the following steps:

• Assess your eligibility before committing to professional services.
• Understand the difference between EB-2 qualification and NIW eligibility.
• Organise your educational and professional documents early.
• Identify relevant evidence supporting your proposed endeavor.
• Understand what your attorney or service provider includes in their fee.
• Verify the latest USCIS and Department of State fees before payment.
• Avoid anyone promising guaranteed approval.
• Do not pay for optional services without understanding their purpose.

A properly planned application budget should include both the initial petition stage and the later immigrant visa process.

Frequently Asked Questions About EB-2 NIW Cost

How much does EB-2 NIW cost from Pakistan?

The cost depends on USCIS filing fees, optional premium processing, professional assistance, document preparation, and immigrant visa expenses. For an individual self-petitioner, the initial I-140 and applicable Asylum Program Fees currently total USD 1,015.

What is the EB-2 NIW USCIS filing fee in 2026?

The standard Form I-140 filing fee is USD 715. An individual self-petitioner generally also pays the USD 300 Asylum Program Fee, subject to the applicable USCIS rules.

Is premium processing compulsory for EB-2 NIW?

No. Premium processing is optional. Eligible applicants may request it by paying the additional USCIS fee.

What is the EB-2 NIW premium processing fee in 2026?

The premium processing fee for eligible Form I-140 petitions is USD 2,965 for requests subject to the fee effective March 1, 2026.

How much is the EB-2 NIW immigrant visa fee?

The Department of State currently lists USD 345 for employment-based immigrant visa application processing per applicant.

Do I have to pay attorney fees for EB-2 NIW?

No government rule requires every applicant to hire an attorney. However, applicants may choose qualified professional assistance depending on their case complexity and confidence in preparing the petition.

Does EB-2 NIW cost include medical examination?

No. Medical examination and required vaccinations are separate expenses paid during the immigrant visa stage.

Does the EB-2 NIW fee include my spouse and children?

The I-140 petition fee is associated with the petition, but eligible family members generally have their own immigrant visa processing and medical examination expenses.

Can EB-2 NIW fees change?

Yes. USCIS and Department of State fees can change. Applicants should always verify the latest official fee schedule before submitting payments.

Discuss Your EB-2 NIW Profile With A2Z Immigration

Planning to apply for a US Green Card through EB-2 NIW from Pakistan?

Before investing in your immigration application, it is important to understand your qualifications, supporting evidence, proposed endeavor, and expected expenses.