Freshness tracker · USUnited States

National Interest Waiver guidance expanded for STEM and entrepreneurs

In force Visa & immigration

USCIS issued revised policy guidance on 30 January 2024 for the EB-2 National Interest Waiver, including specific positive factors for STEM-field research and for entrepreneur-founders with supporting evidence of national interest. The guidance materially expanded the realistic NIW pathway for advanced-degree professionals.

Who it affects

EB-2 NIW self-petitioners, particularly STEM professionals and startup founders.

Sources

Primary: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services ↗

Corroborating: Federal Register ↗

Verified 2026-04-21 · methodology · report a correction