Nonimmigrant visa

Green card

Specialty Occupation Professionals from Australia

National Interest Waiver

Accountants, Computer analysts, Graphic designers, Pharmacists, Physical therapists, Engineers, Teachers, Lawyers, Environmental scientists

Entrepreneurs, Researchers, Physicians, Industry experts, Innovators, STEM professionals

• You must be a citizen of Australia.

• You must hold a 4-year bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience (three years of professional experience for each missing year of formal education).

• The job must be a specialty occupation, requiring specialized knowledge typically obtained through a bachelor's degree or higher. This includes roles in fields like engineering, mathematics, and technology, where the complexity of the tasks necessitates advanced education.

• The employer must pay at least the prevailing wage for the position — a rate set by the U.S. Department of Labor based on the occupation, work location, and level of experience. This wage is not flexible and must be met at a minimum.

• You must hold an advanced degree (master's or higher), possess a bachelor's degree plus five years of progressive work experience, or demonstrate exceptional ability in your field by showing at least 3 of 6 requirements, such as maintaining membership in professional associations and earning recognition for your contributions to your industry from peers or professional organizations.

• Demonstrate that you will work on a proposed endeavor with substantial merit and national importance, and provide evidence that you are well-positioned to advance this work.

• Easy renewal process with the option to extend stay.

• Far less competitive than the H-1B visa, as it does not require an annual lottery.

• Requires minimal applicant qualifications beyond a college degree or professional experience.

• Provides complete flexibility to work, live, and study in the U.S.

• Flexible requirements, making it suitable for a variety of profiles.

• Does not require employer sponsorship or a job offer, providing significant independence.

• Eliminates the need for the lengthy labor certification process.

• Requires employer sponsorship and a job offer in a specialty occupation.

• Requires a high burden of proof to demonstrate both national interest and exceptional ability.

• USCIS has broad discretion in deciding whether your permanent residency aligns with the national interest.

Required

Not required

2 years

Permanent residency

Indefinitely, 2-year increments

Every 10 years

2-3 months

24-30 months¹

No

45 business days

Yes

Yes

-

¹Applicants from India, China, or Mexico may experience longer wait times.