A national interest waiver is a special type of green card application that allows you to bypass the usual requirement of having a job offer and a labor certification from the Department of Labor. To qualify for a national interest waiver, you must demonstrate that your work is of significant value and relevance to the United States, and that you have the skills and qualifications to carry out your work successfully. The criteria for a national interest waiver are not fixed by law, but USCIS evaluates each case based on the following three factors:
– The potential impact and significance of your work for the nation as a whole.
– Your track record and ability to advance your field of expertise.
– The overall benefit of granting you a national interest waiver over requiring a job offer and a labor certification.
If you meet these criteria, you can apply for a national interest waiver on your own, without needing an employer to sponsor you.