EB-2 Green Card – National Interest Waiver (NIW) for Advanced Degree and Exceptional Ability Professionals
The EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) is a unique pathway to U.S. permanent residency under the second preference employment-based (EB-2) category, allowing qualified individuals to apply for a green card without a job offer or PERM Labor Certification. This option is particularly valuable for professionals whose work has significant potential to benefit the United States on a national scale.
Eligible applicants must possess either an advanced degree or demonstrate exceptional ability in fields such as science, business, or the arts. What sets the NIW apart is that applicants can self-petition—meaning they do not need an employer to sponsor their green card application.
To qualify for the National Interest Waiver, you must meet a three-prong legal standard established by USCIS:
Your proposed endeavor must have substantial merit and national importance.
You must be well positioned to advance this endeavor through your background, skills, and track record.
On balance, waiving the job offer and labor certification requirement must benefit the United States.
Successful applicants are granted lawful permanent resident status, enabling them to live and work in the United States indefinitely, as long as they maintain residency and comply with immigration laws.
Once the Form I-140 petition is approved, spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 may also apply for green cards under the E-21 and E-22 immigrant categories, allowing the entire family to reside in the U.S. together.
The EB-2 NIW is a strategic option for mission-driven professionals, researchers, entrepreneurs, and innovators whose contributions serve the public good and align with the national interest of the United States.