Welcome to MCC Immigration’s U.S. Immigration FAQs page.
Here you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about
U.S. green card programs, including EB‑1, EB‑2 NIW, and EB‑3 visas.
Whether you are a professional, researcher, or worker, our experts
provide clear guidance to help you understand your U.S. immigration options in U.S. Immigration FAQs.
EB-1
What makes the EB-1 visa so special?
EB-1 is considered one of the fastest and most prestigious ways to get a U.S. green card. It’s for top professionals, researchers, executives, and people who have reached the peak of their field. In many cases, there’s no need for the long labor certification process, saving you months or even years.
Is EB-1 only for world-famous people?
Not at all. You don’t need to be a celebrity or a Nobel Prize winner. Many successful EB-1 applicants are accomplished professionals whose work is highly respected in their field, even if they’re not publicly famous.
Do I need a job offer for the EB-1 visa?
EB-1A applicants do not need a job offer and can self-petition. EB-1B and EB-1C applicants require a permanent job offer from a U.S. employer.
What is considered “extraordinary ability” under EB-1A?
Extraordinary ability means a level of expertise indicating you are among the small percentage who have risen to the top of your field, demonstrated through sustained national or international acclaim.
How long does EB-1 processing take?
Processing times vary but are generally faster than many other green card categories. Premium processing is available for EB-1A and EB-1B, which can reduce the I-140 adjudication time to 15 calendar days.
What are the benefits of the EB-1 visa?
Benefits include faster priority dates, no labor certification requirement, eligibility for self-petition in EB-1A, and a direct path to permanent residency for you and your immediate family.
What is the difference between EB-1 and EB-2 NIW?
EB-1 generally requires a higher level of achievement and, in some cases, employer sponsorship. EB-2 NIW focuses on work in the U.S. that is in the national interest and does not require employer sponsorship, but the evidentiary standard is lower than EB-1A.
Why choose MCC Immigration for my EB-1 case?
MCC Immigration specializes in building strong, evidence-driven petitions that highlight your unique strengths. From strategy to final approval, we handle everything — making the process as stress-free as possible for you.
Do I need to submit all the documents in their original form?
No, original physical documents are not required. If your documents were issued as PDF files, you may simply submit the PDF files. If you received them in paper form, you can scan them and send us a clear digital copy. For more guidance on document submission, reach out to us online specifically discussing Green Card categories that you are interested.
What happens if my EB-1 case is denied?
It is very unlikely with MCC Imigration. But if that happens, you still have options. We can review the decision, address the issues USCIS raised, and refile or appeal if appropriate. Sometimes, we also pivot to a different category, such as EB-2 NIW, using the groundwork already prepared for EB-1.
EB-2 NIW
What is the most important document when preparing a petition for USCIS?
All documents that show your qualifications are important, but the personal statement and recommendation letters are the most essential. These two documents clearly show your qualifications and detail the work you want to pursue in the United States.
What is a personal statement?
A personal statement is a document in which the NIW applicant explains what kind of work they plan to pursue in the United States. This is based on their academic background and professional experience. It also includes an argument about how that work will have a positive impact on the United States and contribute to the national interest. Always refer to MCC Immigration for detailed guidelines on writing a personal statement, particularly focusing on the EB-1, EB-2 categories.
What is a recommendation letter?
A recommendation letter is a document written by someone who can substantiate the applicant’s accomplishments and professional capabilities. This is particularly as they relate to the proposed work in the United States. It serves to strengthen the credibility of the applicant’s claims about the work they intend to do and the contributions they aim to make to U.S. society. Through the recommender’s support, the applicant’s proposed endeavor and its expected benefits to the United States are given greater evidentiary weight. You can find more information about recommendation letters from our blogs here.
I am not confident in my writing skills. Can you help me write the personal statement and recommendation letters? And is it okay if I write them in my native language?
For the personal statement, you will need to provide a draft. It is perfectly fine to write it in your native language. For the recommendation letters, you do not need to write a draft yourself. Instead, we will provide you with a questionnaire. You can simply fill it out with information related to each recommender. The questionnaire is easy to complete, so there is no need to worry. Once we receive the information for each recommender, we will use it to prepare their recommendation letters.
When writing a personal statement, how should I describe the type of work I plan to do in the United States?
You should describe the type of work you plan to do in the United States. This work should align with your expertise, background, and experience. It should also contribute to the national interest. Once you provide that information, the MCC Immigration team will review it and offer feedback. We will then work with you to discuss and refine the details of your proposed endeavor.
Do I need to submit all the documents in their original form?
No, original physical documents are not required. If your documents were issued as PDF files, you may simply submit the PDF files. If you received them in paper form, you can scan them and send us a clear digital copy. For more guidance on document submission, reach out to us online specifically discussing Green Card categories that you are interested.
How long does it take for USCIS to adjudicate an NIW petition?
The processing time for an NIW petition varies. With regular processing, USCIS review can be unpredictable. It often takes several months to more than a year, depending on agency workload. For applicants who wish to receive a quicker decision, premium processing is available. With premium processing, USCIS guarantees that it will take action on the petition within 45 business days. This includes either by approving, denying, or issuing a request for evidence. See a more detailed explanation from our U.S. Attorney here.
Can I get a green card immediately after my NIW petition is approved?
Approval of your NIW petition does not automatically grant you a green card. After approval, you must still complete the green card visa process. This is through either “adjustment of status” if you are in the United States, or “consular processing” if you are abroad. When you can proceed with the green card visa application depends on the availability of a visa for your application category and country of origin. This information is published in the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bulletin. Your priority date must be current in the Visa Bulletin before you can file for your green card. Be sure to consult the U.S. Immigration FAQs for EB-3, EB-2, EB-1 priority details.
Do I need to have a master’s degree or Ph.D. to qualify for NIW?
No, a Ph.D. is not required to qualify for a National Interest Waiver. U.S. immigration law recognizes a bachelor’s degree plus at least five years of progressive, post-graduation experience in the same field. This is equivalent to an advanced degree. This means that professionals who do not hold a master’s or doctoral degree can still qualify for an NIW, as outlined in U.S. Read more about Advanced Degree for EB-2 NIW by our U.S. attorney here.
EB-3 (Unskilled)
What types of jobs qualify under EB-3 Unskilled?
Typical positions include restaurant staff, hotel workers, caregivers, factory and warehouse workers, janitorial staff, and similar roles where U.S. employers face a shortage of local workers.
How much does it cost?
We provide a clear cost breakdown before you start, covering legal fees, U.S. government filing fees, and any additional expenses. There are no hidden charges. Book an appointment for a Free Consultation with our experts to learn more about costs.
Can my family come with me?
Yes. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can also receive green cards and live, work, or study in the U.S.
Do I need English skills or special training?
Basic English helps, but many employers provide on-the-job training. You can qualify even without prior U.S. work experience.
Will the employer pay for my relocation?
Some employers offer relocation assistance, but it’s not guaranteed. We’ll make sure you know all the details before you accept a job offer.
Do I need to submit all the documents in their original form?
No, original physical documents are not required. If your documents were issued as PDF files, you may simply submit the PDF files. If you received them in paper form, you can scan them and send us a clear digital copy. For more guidance on document submission, reach out to us online specifically discussing Green Card categories that you are interested.
Do I have to pay the employer to hire me?
No. It is illegal for a U.S. employer to charge you to give you a job offer. You only pay the agreed-upon legal and processing fees for your immigration case.
Can I get a green card immediately after my NIW petition is approved?
Approval of your NIW petition does not automatically grant you a green card. After approval, you must still complete the green card visa process. This is through either “adjustment of status” if you are in the United States, or “consular processing” if you are abroad. When you can proceed with the green card visa application depends on the availability of a visa for your application category and country of origin. This information is published in the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bulletin. Your priority date must be current in the Visa Bulletin before you can file for your green card. Be sure to consult the U.S. Immigration FAQs for EB-3, EB-2, EB-1 priority details.
Why should I choose MCC Immigration for EB-3?
We work with some of the best and most reliable U.S. sponsors, offering positions in safe and desirable locations. Our team has handled many successful EB-3 cases, and we guide you through every step — from matching you with the right employer to securing your green card — with transparency and care.
