18 Jan 2023

USCIS Provides Updates on Expansion of Premium Processing

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that the premium processing service soon will be made available for all new and pending I-140 petitions filed under the EB1(c) multinational executive and manager category and EB2 national interest waiver (NIW) I-140 petitions. The USCIS...

13 Oct 2022

My I-140 was approved in the EB2 NIW category. The NIW was approved based on my work related to cancer research and statistical analysis. Am I allowed to move into a different field of research / statistical analysis while my I-485 is pending?

Answer The NIW requires an intention to continue to work in the field of expertise. So, while there is no specific job offer requirement, the entire case is based upon one’s qualifications and the benefit prospectively to the United States that is likely to come from...

16 Sep 2022

USCIS Implement Phase III of Premium Processing Expansion for Certain I-140 Petitions

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced yesterday evening that, effective immediately, it has initiated the third phase of expanding the availability of premium processing service for two categories of I-140 petitions that historically have not been eligible for premium processing. Specifically, the USCIS...

08 Jul 2021

Overview of COVID-19 Travel Restrictions and National Interest Exceptions

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, foreign nationals traveling to the United States from certain countries have been subject to travel restrictions based on several presidential proclamations. The presidential proclamations currently in effect suspend entry to the United States of certain individuals who were present in...

11 Mar 2019

Could I qualify for an EB2 national interest waiver (NIW) based on having a doctorate in management?

Answer A person can self-petition for an NIW based on the performance of work that substantially benefits the national interests of the United States. A doctorate, in and of itself, normally would not make one eligible. (11.Mar.2019)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and other...

04 May 2016

Adoption of AAO Decision Clarifies Eligibility of Specialists for Physician NIWs

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has adopted a decision of the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) addressing the requirements for medical specialists seeking a physician-specific national interest waiver (NIW). This solidifies a long-standing practice by the USCIS, which allows all physicians, both primary care...