Green card

Nonimmigrant visa

National Interest Waiver

Extraordinary Ability in Sciences, Education, Athletics, or Business

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

Entrepreneurs, Industry experts, Researchers, STEM Professionals, Athletes

• 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.

• Demonstrate sustained extraordinary achievement in your field with at least 3 of 8 types of required evidence, such as receiving prestigious awards, being featured in media or professional publications, earning a high remuneration relative to your peers, or holding a critical or relevant role in a distinguished organization or project.

• Continue working in your area of extraordinary ability in the U.S.

• 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.

• Flexible sponsorship options, including sponsorship by an agent—an individual or entity designated to act on your behalf—instead of a single payroll employer. This allows you to work for multiple employers and change employers easily.

• A good option for new or small employers.

• An excellent step toward building an EB-1A extraordinary ability green card.

• 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 a higher level of individual experience and credentials in your field compared to other visa categories.

• Employment is limited to the specific area of extraordinary ability or achievement.

Not required

Required

Permanent residency

3 years

Every 10 years

Indefinitely, 1-year increments

24-30 months¹

2-4 months

45 business days

15 business days

Yes

No

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

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