Generally, an alien with advanced degrees (except those who qualify for first preference) is required to have employment offer and labor certification through the labor department before they can apply for green card.  However under certain circumstances these people can apply for green card directly from the INS.  This type of application is called "National Interest Waiver" ("NIW"), i.e. an alien may apply for permanent residence status (Green Card) and seek a waiver of the offer of employment by establishing that his (her) admission to permanent residence would be in the National Interest.

Therefore, so called "National Interest Waiver" simply is waiver of the job offer and labor certification. Who may qualify for national interest waiver.

For more information, please contact us.

This general information is intended to be informational and educational. Nothing on this or other associated pages should be taken as legal advice from this office for any individual case or situation.  For legal advice for any specific situation, consult an attorney experienced in U.S. immigration law.