The NIW (National Interest Immigrant) is an immigration category established under U.S. immigration law for foreign nationals who have made significant contributions to the national interest of the United States. It is primarily for applicants with special talents and achievements in science, art, business, and other fields.
(More likely to be scientific personnel in the field of academic research; e.g., lawyers, doctors, researchers, architects, engineers, teachers, etc.)
Academic qualifications and work experience must be vertical
A — High education:
masters degree or doctors degree + more than 3 years of working experience
B — Special skills:
10 years of working experience after undergraduate study
1、Certificate of education
2、Full-time work experience (letter of proof)
3、Professional licenses in relevant fields
4、Proof of income
5、Membership of the association
6、Outstanding contributions
1.Prepare and assemble the complete set of written application materials
(6–8 months)
2.Submit the I-140 application to USCIS and wait for approval
(8–15 months; 45 working days for NIW expedited processing)
3.Wait for NVC notification to pay the visa fee and mail the documents
(2–3 months)
4.Wait for NVC to complete processing
(1–3 months)
5.Wait for the interview letter and medical examination from the embassy or consulate
(1–2 months)
6.Go to the embassy or consulate for the interview. After passing the interview, wait to receive the immigrant visa
(1–2 months)
7.Visa approved
(7 working days)
8.Land in the United States to activate the status
(0–6 months)