There are two routes to a green card where one is not required to have a job offer and may self-petition based on achievements and ability (an employer sponsorship is not required). The twin self-petitioned routes are most commonly utilized by postdoctoral scholars, scientists holding visiting or grant-funded appointment, self employed individuals, and others whose employers cannot sponsor them.

These categories are:

• EB1A Extraordinary Ability for individuals of extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics:
  
  This is an eligibility category reserved for the “high achievers” in their field. Examples of who may be considered include Nobel Prize winners, world class athletes, award winning artists, and others who have achieved great successes in their field.

• EB2 for individuals who were granted a National Interest Waiver (NIW).