First of all, the national interest waiver, or NIW category, requires that the applicant have an advanced degree or exceptional ability.
The Advanced Degree requirement includes a master’s degree, a Ph.D. or other post-baccalaureate degree (or a Bachelor’s degree and five years of experience)
The Exceptional Ability requirement can be demonstrated by extensive documentation showing that the applicant satisfies at least three of the following:
An official academic record showing that the applicant has a degree, diploma, certificate, or similar award from a college, university, school, or other institution of learning relating to the area of exceptional ability.
Letters documenting at least ten years of full-time experience in the applicant’s occupation.
A license to practice the profession or certification for the applicant’s profession or occupation.
Evidence that the applicant has commanded a salary or other remuneration for services that demonstrates exceptional ability.
Membership in one or more professional associations, which requires achievement in order to be a member.
Recognition for achievements and significant contributions to industry or field by peers, government entities, or professional or business organizations.
Once this primary requirement is met through one of the two methods mentioned above, the applicant then needs to satisfy every part of a three-prong test established in a case called Matter of Dhanasar, 26 I&N Dec. 884 (AAO 2016). The requires the applicant to show:
The proposed work has both substantial merit and national importance.
The applicant is “well positioned” to advance this proposed work, and
On balance, it would be in the national interest to grant a waiver of the usual employment and labor certification requirements.
Note:Â In a January 2022 USCIS update to its Policy Manual, the Service placed particular emphasis on STEM graduates and entrepreneurs seeking national interest waivers.