National Interest Waiver (NIW)

One of the ways you may qualify for an EB-2, employment-based second preference immigrant visa, is to receive a National Interest Waiver. In general, the second preference immigrant visa process requires a job offer from a potential US employer and the filing of an alien Labor Certification Application with the US Department of Labor.

Aliens seeking a National Interest Waiver are requesting that the need for a Labor Certification be waived because having the alien work permanently in the US is in the country's national interest. If approved, the foreign worker could enter the US without a job offer.

Though the jobs that qualify for a National Interest Waiver are not defined by statute, National Interest Waivers are usually granted to those who have exceptional ability and whose employment in the United States would greatly benefit the nation.  Those granted a National Interest Waiver may self-petition (they do not need an employer to sponsor them) and may file their Labor Certification directly with USCIS along with their Form I-140, Petition for Alien Worker.

Qualifications

You must meet 3 of the following criteria AND show that it is in the national interest that you work permanently in the United States.

Criteria, of which you must meet 3:

• Official academic record showing that you have a degree, diploma, certificate, or similar award from a college, university, school, or other institution of learning related to your area of exceptional ability
• Letters documenting at least 10 years of full-time experience in your occupation 
• A license to practice your profession or certification for your profession or occupation
• Evidence that you have commanded a salary or other remuneration for services that demonstrate your exceptional ability 
• Membership in a professional association(s)
• Recognition for your achievements and significant contributions to your industry or field by your peers, government entities, professional or business organizations 

Note: Other comparable evidence of eligibility is also acceptable.

What constitutes the National Interest?

Again, there is no statue which defines what the term national interest constitutes, but court decisions have established a list of factors which show that a prospective permanent resident's admission would be in the national interest. The factors include:

• The alien's admission will improve the US economy

• The alien's admission will improve wages and/or working conditions for US workers

• The alien's admission will improve educational/training programs for US children and under-qualified workers

• The alien's admission will improve health care

• The alien's admission will provide more affordable housing for young, aged, or poor US residents

• The alien's admission will improve the US environment and lead to more productive use of national resources

• The alien's admission is requested by an interested US government agency