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National interest (NIW): what it is

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National interest: definition

Key answer

National interest, in the EB-2 NIW context, is the first Dhanasar prong: your proposed endeavor must have substantial merit and national importance for the US - in science, technology, health, the economy or another area.

National importance is not 'useful in general' but the scale of impact: why the results of your work reach beyond one employer or city. It is articulated in the endeavor description and backed by evidence.

The second and third prongs add: you are well positioned to advance it, and waiving the employer requirement benefits the US. All three are covered on the EB-2 NIW page.

National interest: the official source

National interest: what to do - tools

National interest: read next

National interest: documents and templates from the library

National interest: from community discussions

  • «EB1 is split into 3 sub-criteria: EB11/EB1(a) - extraordinary ability; EB12/EB1(b) - outstanding researcher; and EB13/EB1(c) - multinational manager (this is like L1). EB2 is LC-based EB, unless you qualify for NIW.»

    community member · from public community chats

  • «I know people with EB2-NIW experience - it's a similar category but easier to get than EB1. And if you're not Chinese or Indian, there are almost no downsides.»

    community member · from public community chats

  • «The first time I filed with premium and got denied. We refiled the case without premium and got approved in about 2 weeks. No RFE.»

    community member · from public community chats

Personal opinions of community members from public discussions, not legal advice.

National interest: related terms

All glossary terms

A reference definition, not legal advice. Requirements and procedures depend on your case - verify on uscis.gov.

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