For skilled professionals (EB-2) and other workers (EB-3) seeking permanent residency in the United States, the standard pathway typically involves the labor certification process. This process, initiated by a sponsoring US employer, serves as a crucial gateway, demonstrating to the Department of Labor that there are no qualified US workers available for the position being offered to the foreign national.
However, the EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) category offers a distinct and highly sought-after alternative. Unlike the standard EB-2 or EB-3 routes, the EB-2 NIW allows exceptionally qualified immigrants to bypass the requirement for a specific job offer and the associated labor certification process. Instead, applicants must convincingly demonstrate that their work offers substantial merit and national importance to the United States, and that waiving the job offer and labor certification requirements benefits the national interest.
A key advantage of the EB-2 NIW is its self-petitioning nature. This means the applicant themselves acts as both the petitioner and the beneficiary of the green card application. This structure grants the applicant significantly greater autonomy and control over their immigration journey, removing the dependency on an employer sponsor required by most other employment-based categories.
Transitioning to permanent U.S. residency through employment-based visas like EB-2, EB-2 NIW, or EB-3 introduces important tax responsibilities. While non-residents working in the U.S. typically face a flat 30% withholding tax (WHT) on income, strategic planning can optimize your obligations. This tax often applies before you receive your green card — such as during H-1B status or while awaiting consular processing — but several legal pathways exist to reduce it.
Many professionals leverage U.S. tax treaties (e.g., with India, Canada, or Germany) to lower WHT rates to 10–15% or exempt certain income types. To claim these benefits, you’ll need to submit Form W-8BEN to your employer or payer. Once you obtain your green card or meet the "Substantial Presence Test" (183+ days/year in the U.S.), you transition to resident alien tax status. At this stage, you’re taxed progressively (10–37% federal rates) rather than at the flat 30% WHT rate — often resulting in significant savings for mid-career earners.
After securing permanent residency, you must report global income to the IRS — including foreign assets, investments, or business profits. Annual filing (Form 1040) is mandatory, covering federal, state (where applicable), and FICA (Social Security/Medicare) taxes. Self-petitioning EB-2 NIW holders should note: business expenses, retirement contributions (401(k)/IRA), and foreign tax credits (Form 1116) can further reduce liabilities.
Critically, tax compliance directly impacts immigration status. Evading WHT or underreporting income risks green card revocation, fines, or even deportation. Work closely with a U.S. immigration attorney or CPA to align tax strategy with your visa stage — ensuring you legally minimize burdens while protecting your path to citizenship.
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I thank One World Migration for the opportunity to move to Turkey with their help. I looked to relocate my company to be closer to my European partners and suppliers from the Middle East.
I first came to Portugal as a tourist 3 years ago. Having assessed the situation and got acquainted with this country, I decided that I wanted to stay here to live. Thanks to the efforts of One World Migration, this became possible.
The decisive factor for me in my decision to obtain Grenadian citizenship was the possibility of a visa-free visit to Europe, where my husband and I love to come both on business trips and on vacation. Thank you One World Migration!
I have to thank OneWorld Immigration and their customer mentality for the Grenada citizenship. They were able to prepare all the necessary documents in the shortest possible time and without undue worry and accompanied us throughout the entire process.
Effective August 1st, the program offers second citizenship in 6 weeks via Dubai-based PPP. From $90k donation + $5k fee (single applicant).
Starting August 20, certain visa applicants must post bonds up to $15,000. The program explicitly targets Citizenship-by-Investment holders over vetting concerns. Initially affects Malawi/Zambia nationals, but CBI countries face potential inclusion with 15 days' notice. 30-day stay limit applies.
Foreign investors can now fast-track Argentine citizenship without residency requirements under President Milei’s new decree. Significant investment unlocks visa-free access to 162 countries, affordable living & Latin America’s dynamic economy. Details pending Economy Ministry guidelines.
