Most Employment-Based (EB) Petitions for Lawful Permanent Residency ("LPR") in the U.S. require the potential immigrant to have an employer file the petition for the immigrant with a Labor Certification Application. Two exceptions to this requirement are the EB-1a Extraordinary Talent and EB-2c National Interest Waiver ("NIW") programs. These are called “Self-Petitioners” and do not require a specific offer of employment (job position) from an employer or a Labor Certification.
This EB-2c NIW category is usually used by Scientists and Researchers, however Doctors and others individuals with Exceptional Ability can also petition under this immigrant visa category.
There are 2 basic requirements to qualify for a NIW under preference category EB-2 is:
1) Having an advanced degree professional OR being an Alien of exceptional ability
Photo by: GDS
