Houston National Interest Waiver Lawyer
Many immigrants want to come to the United States to live and work, as America is known as the land of opportunity. Many people who want to work here apply via the standard EB-2 visa process. However, this avenue also has a few hassles involved, as applicants must receive a job offer from a qualified U.S. employer. The employer must also go through the labor certification process (PERM), which is often a lengthy and costly process.
An alternative to entering the United States under EB-2 without necessarily enduring this tiring process is to qualify for a national interest waiver (NIW). The NIW allows eligible foreign nationals to waive both the job offer and PERM requirements.
However, the process is strict. Not just anyone can apply with a national interest waiver. The national interest waiver is often sought by individuals with advanced degrees, researchers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and others who have made excellent contributions to their fields or whose work has the potential for a significant impact in the United States.
The process is not too overwhelming, especially if you work with an experienced immigration attorney to ensure full compliance with the law and processes. Contact an experienced Houston national interest waiver lawyer from BBA Immigration to get started with the process.
How to Qualify
To qualify for a National Interest Waiver, you must must demonstrate the following:
- Exceptional ability. The applicant must possess exceptional abilities in their field, which may include the sciences, arts, and business. These abilities must be demonstrated through significant achievements and recognition in the field.
- Proposed benefit to the United States. The applicant must establish that their work in the United States would be of substantial intrinsic merit and would benefit the nation significantly. This could be through contributions to the economy, healthcare, education, culture, environment, or other fields of interest.
- National interest justification. The applicant must show that it would be in the national interest of the United States to waive the usual requirements of a job offer and labor certification. They must demonstrate that their work is of national importance and that granting them permanent residence would serve the national interest to a greater degree than would be the case if a citizen from the United States were available to fill the position.
The Process
Applicants typically need to compile extensive documentation, including letters of recommendation, publications, patents, awards, and evidence of their impact in their field, to support their NIW petition.
The NIW applicant will need to pay $700 to file Form I-140. Once I-140 is approved, the path forward will vary depending on where the applicant is living. The processing time can take anywhere from 10.5 to 26.5 months, so expect the process to take 1-2 years. Your lawyer can help you expedite the process.
Contact BBA Immigration Today
The process can be complex, so it’s recommended to seek the assistance of an experienced immigration attorney to navigate the application process effectively.
BBA Immigration can help you put your best foot forward and present a strong case that proves your eligibility for a waiver. Contact a Houston national interest waiver lawyer today for a consultation. Call (281) 503-1455 or fill out the online form.
