Advanced degree or exceptional ability
A master's or higher, or at least three exceptional-ability items.
United States — Pathway
NIW
A green card for work in the national interest.
EB-2 with a National Interest Waiver: an advanced degree or exceptional ability plus an endeavour of substantial merit and national importance. The waiver removes both the employer and the labour certification.
76%
Typical fit
Indicative — your score is personal
Timeline
8–14 months
Processing
Standard USCIS processing
Who this is for.
Advanced-degree professionals with a clear endeavour
Researchers, clinicians and engineers in priority fields
Founders whose work maps to a national priority
What it takes.
Substantial merit and national importance
The endeavour must matter beyond one employer — national data and policy references anchor this.
Well positioned to advance it
Your record, funding, progress and expert support must show you can deliver.
Waiver is on balance beneficial
Why testing the labour market would be impractical or against the national interest.
Evidence plan
The file you'll build.
Endeavour statement with market and policy data
Publications, citations and funding records
Independent expert letters
Evidence of progress already made
Degree and credential evaluations
Questions we get.
Is NIW easier than EB-1A?
Different, not easier. NIW rewards a well-argued endeavour; EB-1A rewards acclaim.
Can I file while abroad?
Yes — consular processing follows approval.