What is the EB2 NIW Visa?
The EB2 NIW (Employment-Based Second Preference, National Interest Waiver) is a U.S. immigrant visa category designed for individuals who possess advanced degrees or exceptional abilities and whose work benefits the national interest of the United States.
Unlike other employment-based visas, the NIW allows applicants to bypass the labor certification process (PERM) and self-petition—meaning they don’t need a specific U.S. job offer or employer sponsorship.
Why Canadians Are Applying for the EB2 NIW
Applicants from Canada are increasingly interested in the EB2 NIW due to several advantages:
- Geographical proximity to the U.S.
- Highly educated workforce, often with advanced degrees from recognized universities.
- Strong professional achievements in fields like healthcare, engineering, information technology, and scientific research.
- Simplified immigration documentation compared to some other regions, as Canadian credentials are widely recognized in the U.S.
EB2 NIW Visa Approval Rate for Canadian Applicants
While the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) does not publish country-specific EB2 NIW approval statistics, immigration attorneys report that Canadian nationals historically enjoy a higher-than-average approval rate compared to global averages.
See also: Understanding Safari Costs: A Transparent Guide from Your Travel Agency
Estimated approval trends:
- Global EB2 NIW approval rate: approximately 80–90% for well-prepared petitions.
- Canadian applicants’ estimated success rate: often 90%+, especially when petitions are well-documented and meet national interest criteria.
Factors contributing to higher Canadian approval rates include:
- Strong English proficiency.
- Access to robust evidence of professional achievements.
- Frequent contributions to U.S.-Canada cross-border industries and collaborations.
Key Eligibility Criteria for EB2 NIW
To qualify, applicants must demonstrate:
- Advanced degree or exceptional ability in their field (e.g., master’s, PhD, or equivalent experience).
- Their proposed work will substantially benefit the U.S..
- National interest waiver factors, as outlined in the Matter of Dhanasar decision:
- The proposed work has substantial merit and national importance.
- The applicant is well-positioned to advance the proposed endeavor.
- It would be beneficial to waive the job offer and labor certification requirements.
Tips to Improve Approval Chances
- Show measurable impact: Publish articles, obtain citations, showcase projects, or patents that influence your field.
- Secure strong recommendation letters: From recognized experts, especially those based in the U.S.
- Connect your work to U.S. national priorities: Such as public health, technology innovation, renewable energy, or infrastructure.
- Work with an experienced immigration attorney who has handled Canadian EB2 NIW cases.
Final Thoughts
For Canadian professionals aiming to move to the United States permanently, the EB2 NIW visa offers a fast-track pathway without employer sponsorship. With Canada’s strong pool of highly qualified professionals, the approval rate is often very favorable—especially when the petition is strategically crafted to highlight contributions to U.S. national interests
