National Interest Waiver

The National Interest Waiver (NIW) is a type of immigrant visa that allows individuals who possess exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics to self-petition for a green card, meaning that they do not need an employer to sponsor their application. This is done in cases where the individual's expertise and skills are deemed to be in the national interest of the United States.

To be eligible for an NIW, an individual must meet certain criteria. They must be able to demonstrate that they have exceptional ability in their field, which is typically defined as a level of expertise that is significantly above that normally encountered in the field. They must also show that their work has the potential to significantly benefit the United States. This can be demonstrated through the submission of evidence such as awards, publications, and letters of recommendation from experts in the field.

In addition to these requirements, individuals seeking an NIW must also show that they meet the general requirements for an immigrant visa, such as being admissible to the United States and not being inadmissible on grounds such as criminal activity or health issues.

If an individual is able to successfully demonstrate that they meet these criteria, they may be granted an NIW, which will allow them to apply for a green card without the need for an employer sponsor. This can be a useful option for individuals who may not have an employer willing or able to sponsor their green card application, or for those who are self-employed or working in fields where employer sponsorship is not typically available.