Unraveling the EB-2 NIW Green Card

The EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) Green Card is a unique pathway to U.S. permanent residency for individuals with exceptional abilities or advanced degrees. This visa category is particularly appealing because it allows applicants to bypass the usual labor certification process if they can demonstrate that their work benefits the national interest of the United States. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the EB-2 NIW Green Card:

Eligibility Requirements:

Advanced Degree: Applicants must have a master's degree or higher, or the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree plus five years of progressive work experience in their field.
Exceptional Ability: Individuals with exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business can qualify without an advanced degree if they can provide extensive documentation of their expertise and achievements.
National Interest Waiver Criteria:
To obtain a waiver of the job offer and labor certification requirements, applicants must demonstrate that:

Substantial Merit and National Importance: The proposed endeavor has substantial merit and national importance.
Well Positioned: The applicant is well positioned to advance the proposed endeavor.
Benefit to the U.S.: On balance, it would be beneficial to the United States to waive the requirements of a job offer and labor certification.