EB-2 NIW Self-Petition Checklist
A self-filed NIW petition stands or falls on completeness. Missing translations, a vague proposed-endeavor statement, or letters that all come from former supervisors are among the most common reasons petitions draw a Request for Evidence. This page walks the document set and shows how to confirm each piece is doing its job before you file.
- Core forms and fees for the I-140 NIW stage
- The proposed-endeavor statement: what it must establish
- Evidence of being well-positioned: education, track record, plan
- Independent expert letters vs. colleague letters
- Certified translations for any non-English document
Check your documents before you file
See which parts of your petition meet the three-prong standard and which are thin — informed by patterns from 3,700+ real AAO decisions.
Start your document checkSelf-help tool. Not legal advice. We don't predict approval odds.
Frequently asked questions
What's the most common thing self-petitioners miss?
Two recurring ones: framing the proposed endeavor's national importance too narrowly, and relying only on letters from former supervisors instead of independent recognized experts.
Does a complete checklist guarantee approval?
No tool can speak to approval. A complete, standard-aligned package is what you control; we help you confirm your documents meet the standard, not predict an outcome.
PetitionAdvisor is a self-help document tool. It is not a law firm, does not provide legal advice, and does not represent you. Information here is general and not a substitute for advice from a licensed immigration attorney.