NIW is a petition for an employment-based immigrant visa under the second preference (EB-2). NIW is a provision within the United States immigration law that allows certain foreign nationals to bypass the cumbersome labor certification process typically required for employment-based green cards (EB-2 category). This waiver is available for individuals whose work is deemed to be in the national interest of the United States. The NIW is primarily intended for individuals with exceptional abilities or those who possess advanced degrees (such as a Master’s or Ph.D.) in their field. However, it is not limited to these categories and can apply to individuals in various fields, including science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), healthcare, business, education, and others. Successful applicants and their families are granted permanent residency, providing them with the right to live and work in the United States indefinitely.

The EB1 visa is a US employment-based immigrant visa that offers a pathway to permanent residency for individuals with extraordinary abilities, outstanding professors or researchers, and multinational executives or managers. This visa category is highly sought after due to its priority status, often allowing for faster processing times compared to other visa categories. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate exceptional achievements in their field, such as receiving major awards, publishing influential work, or holding a critical role in a multinational company. The EB1 visa does not require a labor certification, making the application process more straightforward. It is divided into three subcategories: EB1-A for individuals with extraordinary abilities, EB1-B for outstanding professors and researchers, and EB1-C for multinational executives and managers. One of the key benefits of the EB1 visa is that it often does not require a job offer, particularly for the EB1-A category, allowing for self-petition. Successful applicants and their families are granted permanent residency, providing them with the right to live and work in the United States indefinitely.