Can EB-1 and EB-2 NIW Be Filed at the Same Time? (2025 Trend Explained)

A Complete Guide for Professionals, Researchers, Entrepreneurs & Tech Talent

In 2025, one of the biggest green-card strategies among high-skilled applicants is the rise of dual filings: submitting EB-1 and EB-2 NIW simultaneously instead of choosing just one category. Researchers, engineers, startup founders, healthcare experts, and corporate leaders are increasingly pursuing this approach to secure the fastest and strongest possible path to U.S. permanent residency.

Historically, applicants treated EB-1 and NIW as either-or options. But as processing times, premium processing availability, global competition for top talent, and USCIS adjudication trends evolve, many applicants have realized:

Applying for both EB-1 and EB-2 NIW at the same time is often the smartest way to reduce risk, speed up approval, and maximize eligibility.

This comprehensive guide explains why dual-filing is trending, how it works, who qualifies, timelines, legal considerations, and how immigration attorneys build strong petitions in parallel.

To help readers understand the full green-card landscape, the article also highlights related Kulen Law Firm practice areas such as the EB-1 Visa, EB-2 NIW, O-1 Visa, E-2 Visa, H-1B Visa, K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa, Marriage Green Card (I-130), and Consular Processing.

1. The Big Question: Can EB-1 and EB-2 NIW Be Filed at the Same Time?

Yes — absolutely. There is no legal restriction.

USCIS allows applicants to file:

• EB-1A Extraordinary Ability
  
  
• EB-1B Outstanding Researcher
  
  
• EB-1C Multinational Executive
  
  
• EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW)
  

…together, separately, or in any order.

Each category is evaluated independently, and approval of one does not negatively affect the other. In fact, filing both is often considered best practice when the applicant meets a portion of the EB-1 standards and strongly satisfies the NIW criteria.

USCIS officers do not view multiple filings as suspicious.
It is common for high-skilled immigrants—especially those also considering the O-1 Visa, EB-1 Visa, or H-1B Change of Status—to pursue multiple green-card tracks simultaneously.

2. Why Dual Filing (EB-1 + NIW) Became a Major Trend in 2024–2025

Trend Reason #1: It Doubles the Chances of Approval

Some applicants are strong in:

• Publications / citations
  
  
• Peer review
  
  
• Impact metrics
  
  
• Field contributions
  

But weaker in:

• Awards
  
• Media coverage
  
• Industry recognition
  

Or vice-versa.

Filing both EB-1 and NIW gives applicants two independent opportunities to succeed, especially when:

• Evidence overlaps
  
• Premium processing compresses timelines
  
• Backlogs shift unpredictably
  

This “two-track strategy” has become standard for PhD researchers, postdocs, startup founders, AI engineers, and healthcare professionals.

Trend Reason #2: Premium Processing Accelerates Both Categories

Both EB-1A and EB-2 NIW now qualify for premium processing.

This means:

• 15 business day decision for EB1 and 45 business day decision for EB-2 NIW
  
• You can receive two decisions in under 9 weeks
  
• Faster access to adjustment of status
  
• More control over timelines
  

Applicants pursuing careers under H-1B Visa, O-1 Visa, or F-1 OPT often rely on premium processing to avoid gaps in status.

Trend Reason #3: It Minimizes Risk During Policy Shifts

USCIS adjudication trends shift year to year.
EB-1 standards may become stricter during one season while NIW becomes more predictable — or vice versa.

Dual filing protects against:

• Officer variability
  
• Sudden RFE trends
  
• Backlog fluctuations
  
• Changes in “national interest” interpretations
  
• Evidence standards that tighten mid-year
  

For many applicants, dual filing is simply risk management.

Trend Reason #4: It Doesn’t Slow Down Processing

You do not have to wait for one petition to finish before filing the other.

Both petitions can be:

• Filed the same day
  
• Filed weeks apart
  
• Prepared in parallel by your attorney
  

It is 100% legal, standard, and commonly recommended.

Trend Reason #5: Strong Applicants Fit Both Categories Naturally

Many modern professionals qualify for both EB-1A and NIW due to hybrid careers:

• AI & machine-learning engineers
  
• Biomedical researchers
  
• Startup founders backed by accelerators
  
• Cybersecurity experts
  
• Renewable-energy professionals
  
• Physicians & healthcare innovators
  
• Academic researchers with impact
  
• Cross-border executives eligible for EB-1C and E-2 Visa
  

Their accomplishments often check boxes in both categories.

3. What’s the Difference Between EB-1 and NIW? (Quick Breakdown)

EB-1A Extraordinary Ability

Best suited for people who have:

• Awards
  
• Press/media coverage
  
• Major publications
  
• High citation counts
  
• Patents
  
• Industry leadership
  
• Original contributions
  
• Roles judging others’ work
  

It requires meeting sustained acclaim and being in the “top few percent” of the field.

EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW)

Best for applicants who:

• Advance U.S. national interests
  
• Work in areas of economic, scientific, technological, cultural, or educational impact
  
• Have strong evidence of past success
  
• Propose a clear plan beneficial to the U.S.
  

NIW does not require:

• Awards
  
• Media coverage
  
• Judging or publications
  

But having them strengthens the case.

4. Who Should Consider Filing Both? (Profiles)

Researchers & Academics

• Publications
  
• Citations
  
• Peer reviews
  
• Conference presentations
  

Often strong for NIW, borderline for EB-1A → dual filing recommended.

Engineers & Tech Professionals

Especially in:

• AI
  
• Robotics
  
• Quantum computing
  
• Biotechnology
  
• Data science
  
• Cybersecurity
  

Most can qualify for NIW and become strong EB-1A candidates with proper evidence structuring.

Entrepreneurs & Startup Founders

Founders with:

• Funding
  
• Product-market fit
  
• Advisors/mentors
  
• Accelerator acceptance
  
• Market traction
  
• Patents
  

fit both categories when the business benefits the U.S. economy.

Many also pursue E-2 Visa or O-1 Visa while building an EB-1/NIW strategy.

Healthcare Professionals

Especially in:

• Public health
  
• Mental health
  
• Epidemiology
  
• Medical device innovation
  
• Specialized clinical roles
  

The NIW healthcare route is strong and EB-1 is possible when achievements are well documented.

Executives & Managers

Global managers may qualify for:

• EB-1C Multinational Executive
  
• EB-2 NIW (Economic Impact)
  

Dual filing is common for cross-border leadership talent.

5. How Attorneys Build EB-1 and NIW Dual Filings (Inside Look)

Strong attorneys create two independent but strategically coordinated cases:

Step 1 — Evidence Mapping

Attorneys review your:

• Publications
  
• Awards
  
• Press
  
• Patents
  
• Contributions
  
• Impact metrics
  
• Project outcomes
  
• Recommendations
  

Then they map each piece of evidence to:

• EB-1A criteria
  
• NIW prongs
  

Step 2 — Two Independent Petitions

A strong dual filing includes:

• Separate cover letters
  
• Separate legal arguments
  
• Separate evidence structures
  
• Independent recommendation letters
  
• Distinct narrative frameworks
  

USCIS sees two different petitions, not a recycled file.

Step 3 — Differentiated Legal Theories

Attorneys avoid identical phrasing.
For EB-1, arguments focus on:

• “Top of the field”
  
• “Sustained acclaim”
  
• “Original contributions of major significance”
  

For NIW, arguments focus on:

• “Substantial merit”
  
• “National importance”
  
• “Applicant is well positioned”
  
• “Balancing test waived”
  

Step 4 — Parallel Premium Processing

Many applicants premium process both categories for rapid results.

Step 5 — Green Card Strategy Integration

If EB-1 is approved:

• Immediate I-485 filing (if priority date current)
  If NIW is approved:
  
• Same pathway applies, but there is usually a longer waiting period on NIW for visa availability
  

If both are approved:

• Applicant chooses whichever best fits their future plans.
  

6. Timeline: What Dual Filing Looks Like

Month 1–2:
Document collection, evidence review, recommendation letters, drafting
Month 2–3:
Filing EB-1 + NIW (often premium processed)
Day 15–45:
Possible approval
Month 3–4+:
Adjustment of status

Applicants on H-1B, O-1, F-1 OPT, E-2 Visa, and Change of Status routes benefit most from this structure.

7. Common Myths (Debunked)

Myth 1: Filing both looks suspicious

False. Extremely common.

Myth 2: One denial hurts the other

False. Independent adjudication.

Myth 3: Evidence must be different for each petition

False.
Overlap is normal. Only the legal argument must differ.

Myth 4: You must choose EB-1 or NIW

False.
Dual filing is now a mainstream strategy.

8. Cost Considerations

Yes, dual filings cost more — two filing fees and possibly two premium processing fees.
But the benefits include:

• Faster green-card access
  
• Higher chance of approval
  
• Reduced long-term uncertainty
  

Most applicants view this as a strategic investment.

9. Related Visa Categories to Consider

Within the same immigration journey, many applicants also explore:

• EB-1 Visa
  
• EB-2 NIW
  
• O-1 Visa for Individuals with Extraordinary Ability
  
• E-2 Visa for Treaty Investors
  
• H-1B Visa and Change of Status
  
• K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa
  
• Marriage Green Card (I-130)
  
• I-130 Consular Processing
  
• Family-Based Green Card Options
  

This improves internal link architecture and strengthens topical authority for Kulen Law’s immigration clusters.

10. Conclusion: Dual Filing Is One of the Smartest Green-Card Strategies of 2025

For qualified professionals, researchers, tech talent, and entrepreneurs, filing EB-1 and EB-2 NIW simultaneously is now one of the most efficient, strategic, and risk-controlled paths to U.S. permanent residency.

With:

• premium processing
  
• evolving evidence standards
  
• officer variability
  
• unpredictable backlogs
  

Dual filing offers the speed, flexibility, and approval hedge that modern high-skilled applicants need.