1. What’s EB-2?
EB-2 stands for Employment-Based Second Preference, a category of employment-based visas for permanent residency in the United States. EB-2 visas are intended for individuals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities in their respective fields.
2. What’s NIW?
NIW stands for National Interest Waiver, which is a specific way to obtain an EB-2 visa. It allows certain individuals to bypass the labor certification process (PERM) and the usual requirement of a job offer from a U.S. employer, if their work is deemed to be in the national interest of the United States.The NIW process involves demonstrating that your work is of significant benefit to the United States and that it’s in the national interest to waive the usual requirements of a job offer and labor certification.
3. The NIW Process
Establishing Eligibility: You need to show that your work is in a field that has substantial intrinsic merit and national importance.
Evidence of Impact: You should provide evidence that your work has a substantial impact on the field, and its benefits go beyond the usual scope of your profession.
Waiver Request: You must formally request a national interest waiver in your Form I-140 petition.
Documentation: Compile evidence that supports your claims, such as publications, awards, letters of recommendation, and any other relevant materials that demonstrate your exceptional abilities and the national interest your work serves.
USCIS Evaluation: The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will evaluate your application and evidence to determine whether you meet the criteria for the national interest waiver.
Adjudication: If your petition is approved, you can proceed with the EB-2 visa process, which may include adjustment of status or consular processing, depending on your situation.