The national interest waiver green card is a great category for Phd’s, researchers and advanced degree professionals to obtain their permanent residency. Because there is no strict requirement for what USCIS wants to see in a national interest waiver petition, it allows you the applicant to showcase your unique skills and ability. In the past, USCIS has approved petitions that showcase the applicant’s past accomplishments in the following areas:
- Foreign nationals whose work has benefitted the U.S. economy.
- Foreign nationals whose work has improved health care or whose work has furthered their scientific field.
- Foreign nationals whose work is directly being funded by a U.S. government agency.
- Foreign nationals whose work has improved training and educational programs for children and U.S. under-qualified workers.
- Foreign nationals whose work has created affordable housing for the poor, elderly, and children.
- Foreign nationals whose work has improved the environment and lead to better usage of natural resources.
- Foreign nationals whose work has improved the working conditions and wages of U.S. workers.
In order to have a successful NIW application, a foreign national must show that he or she has unique skills and experience that makes him or her unique from his or her professional peers. It is not necessary for you to prove that you are the Stephen Hawking of your field, but you must show that there is not a minimally qualified researcher who could easily replace you. USCIS wants to see that your past accomplishments in your field have had an impact on the United States in order for you to make the case that your past record is a good indication that you will benefit the US in the future.
To determine whether you should be granted an NIW, USCIS relies on letters of recommendation written by your peers that show that your unique experience, skills and contributions warrants your NIW approval. USCIS will vet the credentials your recommenders to see if they are qualified to evaluate you. This is why it is important to seek experienced people in your field such as professors and industry professionals.
To receive your free credentials review please send your CV, a brief summary of your work and your Google Scholar report to: rachel@casseuslaw.com