Greater Boston & New England | Immigration law, guided by people who have lived it
Merit-Based Green Cards

EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW)

If your work benefits the United States, the National Interest Waiver can let you petition for a green card yourself, without an employer sponsor and without labor certification. We help researchers, founders, and professionals tell that story well.

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NIW petitions that connect your work to its broader U.S. impact.

Who this is for

The NIW may fit if:

  • You have an advanced degree or exceptional ability in your field.
  • Your work has real, demonstrable value to the United States.
  • You would rather self-petition than depend on an employer.
  • You have a record you can point to: publications, patents, projects, or impact.

How we help

Our attorney helps you:

  • Evaluate honestly whether the NIW is your strongest path.
  • Build the argument that your work is in the national interest.
  • Organize your evidence into a clear, persuasive petition.
  • File and respond to any questions from USCIS.

What to expect

Building an NIW case:

  1. A consultation to assess your background and the strength of your case.
  2. We map the evidence and identify what will make the argument stronger.
  3. We draft the petition and the national-interest argument with you.
  4. We file and manage the case through decision.

Am I eligible? (coming soon)

We are building a quick, private tool to help you gauge whether you may be eligible, right here on this page. It is not ready yet. In the meantime, the surest way to find out is a confidential consultation, where we look at your specific situation and tell you honestly where you stand.

Free 15-min consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an employer for an NIW?

No. The NIW is a self-petition, so you do not need an employer to sponsor you or to go through labor certification.

I am a researcher but not famous. Can I still qualify?

Possibly. The NIW is about the value and importance of your work, not fame. In your consultation we assess your record honestly.

How is NIW different from EB-1A?

They are different standards. EB-1A is for those at the very top of a field; NIW focuses on the national importance of your work. We help you choose the right one, or pursue both when it makes sense.

Your work matters. Let us make the case.

Book a consultation and we will assess your NIW candidacy candidly.

Free 15-min consultation