What is the NIW Green Card?
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The Green Card is short for National Interest Waiver is a distinct type of employment-based immigration category that is part of the EB-2 visa. NIW Green Cards are distinctive in that they permit applicants to bypass their usual obligations for a job offer and labor certificate when it is proven that the admission to United States serves the national interest.
The NIW is an initiative that permits individuals who meet certain qualifications to be eligible for a Green Card, without the need for an employer sponsoring them. This is particularly appealing for professionals with high-level qualifications in fields such medicine, science, education, and technology in which their work is beneficial to the U.S.
What is the Green Card for NWIs?
Not all people are eligible to receive an NIW Green Card, and there are certain requirements that an applicant must satisfy. NIW aims to attract professionals with either the following:
A advanced degree (Master's or PhD), or
Proven exceptional talent in their area of expertise.
Beyond these requirements The individual's work should also be of a significant importance to the national interests of the United States. Researchers who conduct cutting-edge research, entrepreneurs who design new technologies that will benefit the American economy and educators who solve important issues in the educational system are all eligible.
Green Card and its Benefits. Green Card and its Benefits
Many highly skilled immigrants are able to apply for a Green Card.
There is no requirement that you have a job. Unlike some other green cards dependent on employment, you don't need an employer sponsoring you.
Self petitioning The option is to submit your application for the greencard by yourself, not needing to depend on an American company.
Faster processing: A NIW in certain cases could lead to a faster path toward permanent residence since it doesn't require the labor certification.
The Legal Basis for the National Interest Derogation
The NIW Green Card has its roots in the Immigration and Nationality Act which allows foreign nationals who are able to prove that their work aligns with the national interests of the United States to bypass the need for a standard labor certification.
The case of Dhanasar 2016 is one of the cases that has had an impact major on NIW. In this instance, the framework was revised and it was clear about who is eligible for NIW.
Important Requirements for Applying for a
NIW Green Card
To qualify to be eligible for to be eligible for a NIW Green Card there are two main requirements.
Advanced Degree or exceptional ability: You must either hold an advanced degree or show an exceptional level of proficiency in your subject. This typically means showing that you are recognized as an expert among your peers and possess impressive achievements.
National interest The applicant's work must have a significant impact on U.S. National interest. This may be beneficial to the U.S. environment, economy health, or public safety.
What is considered to be the ‘National Interest'?
The term “national interest” could be defined quite broadly and is usually applied to the areas where the U.S. will benefit from. Examples include:
Scientific advances that improve public health or technology
Economic development, especially in the most underdeveloped sectors
The education system that addresses the the critical skills shortages
Three-Prong Test to Find NIW Eligibility
The test that has three prongs was applied in the Dhanasar issue to determine if a person is eligible for a NIW green card:
Importance Your project must be of great value and significance to the U.S.
The Applicant's Qualifications. Your work experience and expertise must permit you to effectively advance the proposed work.
Advantages for the U.S. : Your work is so vital that it surpasses the requirements for a labor certificate.
Tips on How to Write a Strong NIW Request
A solid NIW is the result of meticulous preparation. Here are some key steps:
Documenting qualifications Find evidence to prove your knowledge.
Letters Of Recommendation: These letters should be written by experts in your field, who can confirm your work.
Personal Statement Personal Statement: This is your opportunity to state the reasons why your work supports the national interest, and the way you will meet NIW standards.
Processing Times for the NIW Green Card
The Processing Time for the NIW Green Card will vary depending on many aspects. It is based on the number of cases at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office in which you filed. In general, the I-140 application can take between 12 to 18 months before a decision is made. But, delays can occur if more evidence or clarification is needed.
Green Card in contrast to. green card EB-2
The EB-2 NIW is a different employment-based Visa that shares many similarities to the NIW. The major difference is in the job certification needed. For the standard EB-2, you need an employer to sponsor you, and that employer has to complete the PERM labor certification process. The NIW will waive this requirement if you can demonstrate that your work is in the nation's interest.
Filling an I-140 Petition to be granted a NIW Green Card
To get a NIW Green Card, you must first file the I-140.4 petition. Here is a short outline of the procedure:
Fill out the form. You'll need to fill in Form I-140 and then attach the supporting documents.
Submit your evidence include your degrees or awards, publications and recommendation letters.
Payment of the fee The I-140 application fee has to be paid with the submission.
After Filing, What Can you Expect ?
After submitting your NIW petition with USCIS and USCIS, you'll receive an acknowledgement of receipt confirming USCIS has received the application. Once you've submitted your NIW application, USCIS will mail you a receipt notification/strong> confirmation that they have received your application.
Common Issues in the NIW Green Card Applications
It is often difficult to prove that your work aligns with national interest when applying for an NIW Green Card. RFE requests may also be granted if the evidence isn't strong enough to back up the assertion. It is important to make sure that the three-prong assessment is addressed.
How to respond to a Request for Evidence (RFE)
Don't panic if the USCIS issues you a Request for Information. USCIS simply needs more details. Common reasons for receiving a RFE include:
Your qualifications are not sufficient
In a clear and concise manner, describing the national interest a simple manner
When responding, be certain to include a detailed explanation that specifically addresses the question.
Conclusion The NIW Green Card as a Pathway to U.S. Residency
The NIW green card provides a unique path to permanent residency for highly skilled professionals who provide substantial benefit to the United States. This is a very desirable option, as it allows for self-petitioning without the requirement for the labor certification. Although the process may be complex, following the rules and preparing your petition correctly can ensure you get an effective outcome.
FAQs
How fast can I have an NIW Green Card processed?
The processing time can vary between 12 to 18 months.
Can a person apply for NIWs even if they don't have a current work offer?
You can apply for the NIW without a work.
What are the benefits of an NIW green card in comparison to an EB-2 green card?
The most important benefit is the fact that you can self-petition without requiring sponsorship from your employer.
Do I need to include my family members when I submit an NIW request?
Yes, you spouse and unmarried children under 21 can be included in your application.
How do I be sure that my NIW request is refused?
If denied, you can contest the decision or apply again with a stronger evidence.