Green card

Nonimmigrant visa

National Interest Waiver

Free Trade Agreement Professionals

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

Software developers, Financial analysts, Medical professionals, Engineers, Scientists, University professors, Physical therapists, Agronomists, Management consultants

• 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.

• You must be a citizen of Chile or Singapore.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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 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.

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

• Annual renewal adds administrative overhead.

Not required

Required

Permanent residency

18 months¹

Every 10 years

Indefinitely

24-30 months¹

1-4 months

45 business days

No

Yes

No

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

¹Visa issued for 18-month terms with admission to the U.S. in 12-month periods, renewable in 12-month increments.