In today’s success story, we meet Azis, an expert in financial modeling and infrastructure development from Kyrgyzstan, who achieved his American dream through the EB2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) process. Azis not only self-petitioned for his green card without the help of a lawyer but also navigated the often-complicated consular processing route, proving that perseverance and strategic planning make all the difference. If you’re considering the EB2 NIW path, especially as an entrepreneur or consultant, Azis’s experience will inspire you and provide practical guidance for your own journey.
Disclaimer: This is a summary of an interview in our YouTube channel. As with all interviews, this post summarizes Azis’s unique path and should not be taken as legal advice. For official information, always consult USCIS and a qualified immigration attorney as needed.
Who Is Azis? Background and Professional Profile
Azis hails from Kyrgyzstan, a country bordering China, and brings a wealth of international experience in financial modeling, procurement, and infrastructure consulting. With over a decade of experience working on projects across Central Asia, Turkey, and Oman—including roads, tunnels, and bridges—Azis’s professional journey positioned him as a strong EB-2 NIW candidate.
He joined the EB-2 NIW course we offer as one of the first members, in 2023. Frustrated by the high costs of immigration lawyers and confident in his expertise, he decided to handle the entire process independently.
Timeline: From Research to Green Card Approval
Early 2023: Discovering the EB-2 NIW Path
Azis’s journey began in March 2023 when he discovered our resources and decided to join the course. Like many, he initially considered using an attorney but found the fees prohibitive and realized much of the work would still fall on his shoulders.
“A lot of lawyers told me that the prices were so expensive. So I didn’t want to just waste time because I know that at the end of the day, you just will be writing everything by yourself and then they will be collecting all the documentation and just something on behind of you.”
March–October 2023: Preparing the Case
Azis spent seven to eight months carefully building his petition, juggling work, collecting certificates, and documenting his achievements across multiple countries. The sheer amount of evidence—over 700 pages—reflected the breadth of his career and international impact.
“It was very, very interesting to see, just to update all my resume and then all my documents to make sure that everything is properly done.”
“It took me several months to write the case because I didn’t have the time. Whenever I had the time, I was sitting and writing all my case by myself.”
October 2023: Submitting the I-140 Petition
He submitted his I-140 in October 2023 without premium processing.
February 2024: Approval from USCIS
Four months later, in February 2024, Azis received the coveted I-140 approval. He recalls the excitement of that day, tempered by the knowledge that consular processing still lay ahead…so it was not exactly the end of the road just yet. At this time, Azis reached out to Oscar and we publish a success story on Instagram. But we held the video interview until the end of the process.
Spring–Summer 2024: Consular Processing and Administrative Hurdles
After approval, his case moved to the U.S. Department of State. The biggest challenge? Obtaining a police certificate from China for his wife—a process that took three additional months. By August, all documents were ready and the case was forwarded to the U.S. Embassy in Kyrgyzstan.
Summer 2024: The Interview
The long wait for a current visa bulletin finally ended in June 2024, when his priority date became current. Since Azis applied from abroad, his last step involved consular processing. He and his wife attended the embassy interview, which he found surprisingly straightforward.
“My mood is like—I like short answers… The consul asked just three questions: my background, where I studied, and about my marriage. Then she looked at my papers and said, ‘Oh my goodness, it’s too many docs!’ She gave me administrative processing. But the next morning, I was approved.”
What Was Azis’s Proposed Endeavor in the United States?
Azis’s EB2-NIW petition centered on transferring his proven business model—a successful infrastructure consultancy—from Central Asia to the U.S., with the goal of supporting America’s urgent need for infrastructure renewal.
“Since my graduation in 2010, I’ve focused on infrastructure development: roads, tunnels, bridges, and water systems. My proposal was to establish my company in the U.S. and open an infrastructure consultancy to attract investment and help with rebuilding.”
He strategically aligned his proposal with major U.S. government initiatives, referencing the Build Back Better infrastructure bill, and supported his petition with a detailed, 60-page business plan, organizational charts, and evidence of past projects.
“I had a strategic business plan. I put things together about how it will look like, how many people will be working, what kind of salary they will get, and then how I will close the deal. Step one, step two, step three… and I put all my experiences, all my pictures in that factory, on the road, on the railroad.”
Proving National Interest and Qualifications
1. Demonstrating the Benefit to the U.S. (Prong 1)
For the first Prong of the Matter of Dhanasar, Azis showed how his business would create jobs, boost economic growth, and bring proven expertise to the American infrastructure sector. He highlighted the need for innovative financial models and international best practices—addressing a recognized national interest.
2. Proving He Was the Right Person (Prong 2)
With a bachelor’s degree in economics and over 10 years of entrepreneurship, Azis included certificates, recommendation letters (from both dependent and independent sources), and documentation of capital ready to invest.
3. Building a Robust Evidence Package
Azis stressed the importance of thorough, honest documentation and reaching out to past employers to track down old contracts and proof of impact.
Life After Approval: Plans and Reflections
While Azis received his immigrant visa, the transition wasn’t immediate. With business interests in Central Asia and a gold mining venture underway, he and his family plan to move to the U.S. by the end of 2025.
For Azis, the green card is as much about opportunity for his children as it is about business:
“For me, it’s not just about the green card. It’s for my children—they will have more opportunities in the future, globally. I already had my American story; now it’s their turn.”
Key Takeaways: Azis’s Advice for Future EB2 NIW Applicants
1. You Can Do It Yourself
Azis believes that with the right guidance (and some perseverance), self-petitioners can handle the process without expensive legal fees.
“You don’t need to contact all the lawyers… Oscar’s course I think it’s the best way to go, because you will get all these resources, how you need to put things together, especially the proposed endeavor statement”
2. Be Thorough and Honest
Don’t cut corners. Gather all your evidence, write honestly, and align your proposal with a clear U.S. national interest.
3. Take Your Time—But Don’t Rush
Azis took eight months to prepare his petition, balancing work and family. He encourages others not to rush, but to be persistent.
4. Prepare for the Interview—But Don’t Overthink It
Consular interviews can be simple if your case is solid. Be concise, and only answer what is asked.
5. Focus on the Bigger Picture
For many, the EB-2 NIW is about building a better future—not just for themselves, but for their families
Conclusion
Azis’s EB2 NIW journey is a testament to determination, strategic planning, and the power of self-advocacy. By aligning his proven international experience with America’s infrastructure needs, and by meticulously preparing his petition, he not only achieved approval but did so on his own terms. For prospective applicants, his story shows that the EB2 NIW green card is accessible—even without legal representation—when you are diligent, honest, and focused on the national interest.
Inspired by Azis’s story?
If you’re considering the EB2 NIW path, check out the full course here. Remember: the American dream is still alive—and, as Azis shows, it’s open to those willing to put in the work.