EB-2 NIW: The National Interest Waiver
The NIW lets you self-petition for a green card — no employer sponsor, no PERM — if your work matters to the United States.
The three-prong test
Under Matter of Dhanasar, you must show your endeavor has substantial merit and national importance, that you're well positioned to advance it, and that on balance it benefits the U.S. to waive the job-offer requirement.
Who has a real case
Researchers with citations and funding, engineers working on critical technologies, founders with traction and letters from experts, physicians in underserved areas. Evidence quality matters far more than titles — recommendation letters, publications, patents, press, and revenue all count.
Practical notes
You still need to meet EB-2 basics (advanced degree or exceptional ability), and India/China backlogs apply to NIW too. Many applicants file NIW alongside an employer-sponsored case as a hedge — the priority date from either can be kept.
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