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The National Interest Waiver (NIW)

The National Interest Waiver (NIW)

It is a special category under the second employment-based preference (EB-2) of U.S. immigration. Unlike other EB-2 classifications, the NIW is designed to attract foreign nationals who have demonstrated the ability to make, or are capable of making, significant contributions to the national interest of the United States. Applicants do not require employer sponsorship or a labor certification. It is targeted at skilled professionals who have either a bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of experience in their field or have a master degree.

The National Interest Waiver (NIW)

12-18 months

Pōʻaiapuni Hana

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STEP 1
Eligibility Criteria
Advanced Degree: Master’s or higher, OR Bachelor’s + 5 years progressive experience. National Interest: Work must substantially benefit U.S. economy, health, or education. Meet 3 Criteria: e.g., publications, patents, peer review, salary, etc,
STEP 2
Gather Documents
educational credential evaluation,Recommendation Letters (from Independent Experts),Evidence of Achievements (Citations, Awards, Media Coverage),
STEP 3
File Form I-140 (Petition)
No employer sponsorship required; self-petition permitted,"Premium Processing available (15-day adjudication),
STEP 4
Respond to RFE (if issued)
USCIS may request additional evidence (RFE), requiring a response within 87 days,
STEP 5
Adjust Status or Consular Processing
If in the U.S.: File Form I-485 to adjust status to permanent resident.If abroad: Process through consular processing (NVC workflow).

E noi no nā uku

1. Government Filing Fees
I-140 Petition Fee: $700 (paid to USCIS).
Premium Processing (Optional): $2,805 (for 45-day adjudication; not always recommended for NIW).
Adjustment of Status (I-485) Fee: $1,440 (if applying from within the U.S.; includes biometrics).
OR Immigrant Visa Processing (DS-260) Fee: $345 (if applying through consular processing).
 
2. Legal Fees (If Using an Attorney)
Typically $5,000–$15,000+ (varies based on case complexity and firm reputation).
 
3. Documentation & Certification Costs
Translation Fees: For non-English documents (e.g., degrees, publications, recommendation letters).
Credential Evaluation (If Required): For foreign degrees (e.g., via WES or ECE).
 
4. Medical Examination (Required for AOS/Consular Processing)
~$200–$500 (paid to a USCIS-approved civil surgeon or panel physician).

ʻO kā mākou mau pono

Ma ke ʻano he mea lawelawe kūkākūkā neʻe honua, ua pili mau mākou i ke akeakamai lawelawe o "ka hoʻohui ʻana i nā moeʻuhane a me ka holo ʻana no ka wā e hiki mai ana" mai ko mākou hoʻokumu ʻia ʻana. Ua kūpaʻa mākou i ka hāʻawi ʻana i nā hopena neʻe ʻoihana, mālama, a piha hoʻi no kēlā me kēia mea kūʻai aku e moeʻuhane ana e noho a hana ma waho. Uhi ko mākou kapuaʻi i nā ʻāina a me nā ʻāpana he nui a puni ka honua, e hana pū ana me nā keʻena kūhelu he nui a me nā hui kānāwai ʻoihana e hōʻoia i ka palekana, ke kānāwai, a me ka pono o kēlā me kēia ʻanuʻu o ke kaʻina neʻe ʻana.