Jump to content
officedad

What qualifies for NIW (split & merged)

 Share

15 posts in this topic

Recommended Posts

Hi all,

 

I am new here. I am inquiring about this visa.

  • I am a Pakistani national, Male, 43 years old, 2 dependent children and a wife. All are Pakistani nationals.
  • Both my wife and I are qualified senior executives in large multi-national companies in Dubai, UAE.
  • We are on a UAE residence visa.
  • Both of us have our Bachelor's Degrees from Pakistan
  • In addition, my wife has her CIMA and I have my MBA from a reputed university Pakistan. 

 

We would like to immigrate to the US to work and settle our family down.  Based on the criteria listed on the USCIS website, it states no employment offer is needed, as long as we have an 'advanced degree' and 'exceptional ability' - see excerpt below:

National Interest Waiver

If you are requesting that we waive the labor certification (also known as a job offer) because it is in the national interest of the United States, you are eligible to file a petition on your own behalf. You may do this whether you seek to classify yourself as a member of a profession who has an advanced degree or if you have an exceptional ability.

We will review all the evidence you submit to determine whether you are eligible for the second-preference classification and whether it is in the national interest of the United States to grant this discretionary waiver.

Please visit the Employment-Based Immigration: Second Preference EB-2 page for more information.

 

My questions are as follows - specific to this link (Employment-Based Immigration: Second Preference EB-2)

  • Based on my understanding, I believe both my wife and I qualify to waive the labor certification (also known as a job offer) because it is in the national interest of the United States eligible. Based on this, we will proceed with filing a petition on our own behalf. Is it better for me to do this, or my wife as a primary sponsor? or do we each need to do our own? I understand this is not a family sponsorship, but if both husband and wife meet the criteria, how is this managed?
  • It states I do not need a job offer to file the petition - would they require this at any point prior to my relocating to the US? 
  • If I do not find a job within x timeframe, what happens to my visa?
  • What is the waiting period between applying and approval of petition? Is there a generic timeframe available? I am new to this, hence not sure where to look at a first instance.


Many thanks in advance.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 1/23/2023 at 8:41 AM, OldUser said:

Hi @Daniel Vas your case does not seem to qualify for National Interest Waiver.

If your introduction was "Hi my name is Daniel and I am a PhD in Computer Science and a Turing Award winner with 20 years of experience in the field" then maybe it was qualifying.

 

Your route is either DV lottery or H1B.

 

Good luck!

 

 

 

how do we know if we qualify or not?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Wales
Timeline
20 minutes ago, officedad said:

how do we know if we qualify or not?

Apply and find out?

“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Wales
Timeline
Just now, officedad said:

surely there should be a criteria somewhere, and not have to spend $$/time on an application?

I have a link to a lawyer who provides a money back guarantee 

 

Clue they do not take on cases they are not pretty sure will succeed 

 

Lawyers do not like giving money back 

“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Wales
Timeline
1 minute ago, Boiler said:

I gave a link to a lawyer who provides a money back guarantee 

 

Clue they do not take on cases they are not pretty sure will succeed 

 

Lawyers do not like giving money back 

 

Edited by Boiler

“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”

Link to comment
Share on other sites

33 minutes ago, officedad said:

how do we know if we qualify or not?

"Individuals seeking a national interest waiver must show evidence of an advanced degree or exceptional ability and must also meet three factors that USCIS uses to determine, in its discretion, whether it is in the national interest that USCIS waive the requirement of a job offer, and thus the labor certification. The three factors USCIS considers for a national interest waiver are whether:

- The person’s proposed endeavor has both substantial merit and national importance;
- The person is well positioned to advance the proposed endeavor; and
- It would be beneficial to the United States to waive the job offer and thus the permanent labor certification requirements."

 

From https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-updates-guidance-on-national-interest-waivers

 

Every applicant should have a good explanation why they're qualified and why US should drop permanent labour certification requirement. In the end of the day, USCIS decides who qualify for NIW.

 

Examples:

1. Somebody wants to join an IT startup working on a new social network. The applicant doesn't have a formal degree, but holds a senior position in their current company.

Likely outcome: NIW is not issued. How does this benefit US and why can't the applicant find a H1B sponsored position?

 

2. A well known physicist, has experience working on technologies related to super sonic missiles. He has maters/ PhD in relevant field and his knowledge can help strengthening US defense. He has publications in scientific journals, took part in many conferences as a speaker. A number of recommendations from well recognized experts in the US are available.

Likely outcome: NIW is issued.

 

These are exaggerated examples to show the difference between the cases.

 

You can always try, as @Boiler recommends. But you gotta have a real case.

 

 

Edited by OldUser
Link to comment
Share on other sites

6 minutes ago, OldUser said:

"Individuals seeking a national interest waiver must show evidence of an advanced degree or exceptional ability and must also meet three factors that USCIS uses to determine, in its discretion, whether it is in the national interest that USCIS waive the requirement of a job offer, and thus the labor certification. The three factors USCIS considers for a national interest waiver are whether:

- The person’s proposed endeavor has both substantial merit and national importance;
- The person is well positioned to advance the proposed endeavor; and
- It would be beneficial to the United States to waive the job offer and thus the permanent labor certification requirements."

 

From https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-updates-guidance-on-national-interest-waivers

 

Every applicant should have a good explanation why they're qualified and why US should drop permanent labour certification requirement. In the end of the day, USCIS decides who qualify for NIW.

 

Examples:

1. Somebody wants to join an IT startup working on a new social network. The applicant doesn't have a formal degree, but holds a senior position in their current company.

Likely outcome: NIW is not issued. How does this benefit US and why can't the applicant find a H1B sponsored position?

 

2. A well known physicist, has experience working on technologies related to super sonic missiles. He has maters/ PhD in relevant field and his knowledge can help strengthening US defense. He has publications in scientific journals, took part in many conferences as a speaker. A number of recommendations from well recognized experts in the US are available.

Likely outcome: NIW is issued.

 

These are exaggerated examples to show the difference between the cases.

 

You can always try, as @Boiler recommends. But you gotta have a real case.

 

 

super helpful, thank you! 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, OldUser said:

"Individuals seeking a national interest waiver must show evidence of an advanced degree or exceptional ability and must also meet three factors that USCIS uses to determine, in its discretion, whether it is in the national interest that USCIS waive the requirement of a job offer, and thus the labor certification. The three factors USCIS considers for a national interest waiver are whether:

- The person’s proposed endeavor has both substantial merit and national importance;
- The person is well positioned to advance the proposed endeavor; and
- It would be beneficial to the United States to waive the job offer and thus the permanent labor certification requirements."

 

From https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-updates-guidance-on-national-interest-waivers

 

Every applicant should have a good explanation why they're qualified and why US should drop permanent labour certification requirement. In the end of the day, USCIS decides who qualify for NIW.

 

Examples:

1. Somebody wants to join an IT startup working on a new social network. The applicant doesn't have a formal degree, but holds a senior position in their current company.

Likely outcome: NIW is not issued. How does this benefit US and why can't the applicant find a H1B sponsored position?

 

2. A well known physicist, has experience working on technologies related to super sonic missiles. He has maters/ PhD in relevant field and his knowledge can help strengthening US defense. He has publications in scientific journals, took part in many conferences as a speaker. A number of recommendations from well recognized experts in the US are available.

Likely outcome: NIW is issued.

 

These are exaggerated examples to show the difference between the cases.

 

You can always try, as @Boiler recommends. But you gotta have a real case.

 

 

These are quite realistic cases actually.

 

2 hours ago, officedad said:

super helpful, thank you! 

You need to show that your field is in national interest (that's pretty broadly understood). The publications and citations are key (for science/tech). The minimum is set pretty low but few attorneys will take your case with a bare minimum. You have to show that other researchers have applied your work, that their projects were influenced by your publications. The attorneys will ask you to select several top citations from your papers and demonstrate how each citation has advanced the work of those who cited you. Lastly you need to convince the government that you will be able to apply your extraordinary ability to your future endeavors. 

 

For arts, humanities, sports, etc, the expectations are somewhat different (although the same broad criteria apply). 

 

If you're in tech/science, you need publications. I can't think of a case where the applicant had none. 

 

The attorneys (recommended above) can quickly review your case, for free. They'll let you know if you have any options other than the above. My colleague's case was not accepted by the attorney because her citation record wasn't strong enough, even though she had 100+ citations and one high level journal paper. It gets pretty tough if you want to convince the government that it's in the US interest to waive the regular requirements for employment-based immigration. 

Edited by randomstairs
03/04/2016 AOS (EB2-NIW concurrent with I-485) mailed to Lewisville TX Lockbox
03/07/2016 AOS delivered to USCIS and signed
03/12/2016 Case received by Nebraska Service Center (NSC)
03/14/2016 Text notification received for I-140/I-485/I-765/I-131.
04/08/2016 Biometrics notice received for 04/21
04/13/2016 Biometrics early walk-in completed.
04/15/2016 EAD/AP combo card received in mail.

 

Long wait begins...

 

11/04/2016 I-140/485 cases transferred from Nebraska to TCS
12/01/2016 Prepared package for EAD/AP renewal (expires 04/09/2017)
12/23/2016 USCIS suddenly changes several forms, invalidating my EAD/AP renewal package (not yet sent)
12/27/2016 USCIS suddenly reforms the entire NIW criteria system, replacing a 20 years old one. Uncharted waters. 
01/07/2017 (Saturday!) EAD/AP renewal package with new forms received in Phoenix "reception desk"
01/17/2017 EAD/AP renewal case accepted; text/email with receipt numbers was received
01/30/2017 Law firm finally confirms that USCIS has suspended processing all EB2-NIW cases due to new criteria. 
02/23/2017 USCIS slowly starts adjudicating NIW cases again.
04/21/2017 Extended EAD/AP received in mail. Valid for 2 years. 
05/06/2017 Received a massive RFE on I-140 NIW case.
07/20/2017 RFE response received by USCIS (a very long response with 30 pages of docs)
09/14/2017 I-140 NIW approved!!! 
11/28/2017 RFE for new medical issued (plus another request re Supp J for employment which is clearly issued in error)
12/04/2017 RFE received in mail
12/07/2017 repeated medical exam for I-485
12/08/2017 Attorney receives documents for responding to I-485 RFE
12/21/2017 Response to RFE received by USCIS 
02/09/2018 I-485 approval (text, email) :)
02/08/2018 I-485 approval notice issued (the "welcome letter") - I'm LPR now
02/16/2018 Green card received
 
11/14/2022 Filed N-400 online; receipt and biometrics reuse form received online
03/07/2023 N-400 Interview scheduled 
04/xx/2023 N-400 approved, same-day Oath ceremony completed. I'm a US citizen.
05/xx/2023 US passport in hand

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

15 minutes ago, randomstairs said:

These are quite realistic cases actually.

 

You need to show that your field is in national interest (that's pretty broadly understood). The publications and citations are key (for science/tech). The minimum is set pretty low but few attorneys will take your case with a bare minimum. You have to show that other researchers have applied your work, that their projects were influenced by your publications. The attorneys will ask you to select several top citations from your papers and demonstrate how each citation has advanced the work of those who cited you. Lastly you need to convince the government that you will be able to apply your extraordinary ability to your future endeavors. 

 

For arts, humanities, sports, etc, the expectations are somewhat different (although the same broad criteria apply). 

 

If you're in tech/science, you need publications. I can't think of a case where the applicant had none. 

 

The attorneys (recommended above) can quickly review your case, for free. They'll let you know if you have any options other than the above. My colleague's case was not accepted by the attorney because her citation record wasn't strong enough, even though she had 100+ citations and one high level journal paper. It gets pretty tough if you want to convince the government that it's in the US interest to waive the regular requirements for employment-based immigration. 

Thank you! Appreciate you taking the time to respond back in such detail.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Canada
Timeline

~~Hijack posts and related replies that derailed another member's thread has been split off to their own thread. Please do not post questions of your own in other member's thread.~~

Spoiler

Met Playing Everquest in 2005
Engaged 9-15-2006
K-1 & 4 K-2'S
Filed 05-09-07
Interview 03-12-08
Visa received 04-21-08
Entry 05-06-08
Married 06-21-08
AOS X5
Filed 07-08-08
Cards Received01-22-09
Roc X5
Filed 10-17-10
Cards Received02-22-11
Citizenship
Filed 10-17-11
Interview 01-12-12
Oath 06-29-12

Citizenship for older 2 boys

Filed 03/08/2014

NOA/fee waiver 03/19/2014

Biometrics 04/15/14

Interview 05/29/14

In line for Oath 06/20/14

Oath 09/19/2014 We are all done! All USC no more USCIS

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Canada
Timeline

~~Duplicate threads merged.~~

Spoiler

Met Playing Everquest in 2005
Engaged 9-15-2006
K-1 & 4 K-2'S
Filed 05-09-07
Interview 03-12-08
Visa received 04-21-08
Entry 05-06-08
Married 06-21-08
AOS X5
Filed 07-08-08
Cards Received01-22-09
Roc X5
Filed 10-17-10
Cards Received02-22-11
Citizenship
Filed 10-17-11
Interview 01-12-12
Oath 06-29-12

Citizenship for older 2 boys

Filed 03/08/2014

NOA/fee waiver 03/19/2014

Biometrics 04/15/14

Interview 05/29/14

In line for Oath 06/20/14

Oath 09/19/2014 We are all done! All USC no more USCIS

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Ontarkie changed the title to What qualifies for NIW (split & merged)
 
Didn't find the answer you were looking for? Ask our VJ Immigration Lawyers.

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
- Back to Top -

Important Disclaimer: Please read carefully the Visajourney.com Terms of Service. If you do not agree to the Terms of Service you should not access or view any page (including this page) on VisaJourney.com. Answers and comments provided on Visajourney.com Forums are general information, and are not intended to substitute for informed professional medical, psychiatric, psychological, tax, legal, investment, accounting, or other professional advice. Visajourney.com does not endorse, and expressly disclaims liability for any product, manufacturer, distributor, service or service provider mentioned or any opinion expressed in answers or comments. VisaJourney.com does not condone immigration fraud in any way, shape or manner. VisaJourney.com recommends that if any member or user knows directly of someone involved in fraudulent or illegal activity, that they report such activity directly to the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement. You can contact ICE via email at Immigration.Reply@dhs.gov or you can telephone ICE at 1-866-347-2423. All reported threads/posts containing reference to immigration fraud or illegal activities will be removed from this board. If you feel that you have found inappropriate content, please let us know by contacting us here with a url link to that content. Thank you.
×
×
  • Create New...