The EB‑2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) is one of the most flexible and strategic U.S. immigration pathways for highly skilled professionals. It allows individuals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities to obtain permanent residency without requiring a specific job offer or labor certification. An NIW evaluation is crucial for applicants to understand whether their contributions will align with U.S. national priorities. Traditionally popular among applicants from countries such as India, China, and South Korea, the NIW is increasingly attracting professionals from Vietnam who are contributing to research, innovation, and economic development that align closely with U.S. national priorities.
In our work preparing NIW petitions, particularly for South Korean researchers and professionals, one trend has become increasingly clear: Vietnamese researchers and South Korean researchers frequently collaborate on scientific studies, particularly in areas such as public health, occupational health, engineering, and technology development. These collaborations produce international publications and multidisciplinary research outcomes, underscoring the depth of Vietnamese talent and the growing synergy between Vietnam and countries that already have strong U.S. immigration representation. This trend highlights why Vietnamese professionals are well-positioned to pursue the EB‑2 NIW.
What Makes the NIW Different?
Most U.S. employment-based green card categories require a permanent job offer and a labor certification to demonstrate that there are no qualified U.S. workers available for the position. The EB‑2 NIW waives those requirements if the applicant can demonstrate that their work benefits the United States broadly and that it is in the national interest to allow them to work in the U.S. without being tied to a specific employer. For Vietnamese professionals, this means they can leverage their education, research contributions, and professional achievements to qualify.
Applicants must typically hold an advanced degree, such as a master’s or doctorate, or demonstrate exceptional ability in their field. They must also present a proposed endeavor, often a research project, professional specialty, or entrepreneurial initiative, that has substantial merit and national importance. Finally, they must show that they are well positioned to advance this endeavor and that waiving the job offer requirement benefits the United States. For Vietnamese professionals active in medicine, engineering, information technology, and environmental sciences, these criteria align well with their academic and professional profiles.
The Growing Talent Pipeline from Vietnam
Vietnam has rapidly developed a globally competitive skilled workforce, particularly in technology, healthcare, and applied sciences. Universities and research institutes across Vietnam produce graduates who excel in computer science, data analytics, biotechnology, and engineering, while an increasing number of professionals have trained or conducted research internationally. Many of these individuals hold advanced degrees and contribute to research addressing pressing global issues such as renewable energy, infectious disease prevention, and sustainable development. The United States even gives scholarships to advanced degree Vietnamese professionals to research science and technology within the U.S.
These areas are priorities not only for Vietnam but also for the United States, which continues to emphasize scientific innovation, advanced manufacturing, clean energy solutions, and healthcare resilience as national policy goals. The EB‑2 NIW provides a natural pathway for Vietnamese professionals engaged in these fields to contribute directly to U.S. national interests.
Vietnamese Research Collaborations and U.S. Relevance
A personal observation from preparing NIW petitions is the frequency of collaborative work between Vietnamese and researchers of other nations. Many scientific papers we review, particularly for our Korean NIW clients, include Vietnamese co-authors. These partnerships span a wide range of topics.
This kind of international collaboration demonstrates that Vietnamese professionals are already working within multinational networks and producing outcomes of cross-border importance. In many cases, these research efforts address issues that U.S. government agencies, such as the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation, classify as priority areas. This existing pattern of collaboration signals that Vietnamese professionals not only meet academic and technical standards but also thrive in global teams, a quality that enhances their NIW eligibility.
Why the NIW Is an Ideal Pathway for Vietnamese Applicants
The NIW is uniquely suited for Vietnamese professionals who may not have access to an immediate U.S. job offer but are already engaged in research, entrepreneurship, or public health initiatives that align with U.S. interests. By removing the requirement for employer sponsorship, the NIW allows these individuals to continue their work without being tied to a single employer, giving them flexibility to pursue academic or research careers, start businesses, or expand international collaborations.
For example, a Vietnamese public health researcher developing strategies for occupational safety can demonstrate how their work benefits underserved worker populations in the U.S., aligning with initiatives supported by agencies like OSHA and NIOSH. Similarly, an environmental engineer developing renewable energy solutions, or an IT specialist advancing machine learning applications, can show how their expertise contributes to U.S. innovation priorities. In all these scenarios, the NIW framework supports long-term contributions to the U.S. economy and society.
Key Steps for Vietnamese Professionals
The first step in pursuing an NIW is to evaluate whether your education and experience meet the advanced degree or exceptional ability requirements. The next step is to define a clear proposed endeavor, which could involve ongoing research, technological innovation, or professional work that serves a broader public interest. Gathering supporting evidence is also essential. Publications, patents, reference letters from experts, awards, and documented outcomes of your work strengthen your case.
Because NIW petitions are evidence-intensive and require a persuasive legal argument, most applicants work with experienced immigration attorneys to ensure their petitions are properly structured. This approach is especially helpful for professionals focused on research or specialized industries who do not want to pause their work to manage complex U.S. immigration filings on their own.
Conclusion
Vietnamese professionals are increasingly becoming key contributors to research, innovation, and public health—areas that the United States has identified as national priorities. Their frequent collaboration with South Korean researchers, as seen in many scientific publications, highlights Vietnam’s role in advancing global solutions and producing high-value expertise. For those looking to continue or expand their work in the United States, the EB‑2 NIW offers a flexible and independent path to permanent residency.
If you are a Vietnamese professional considering U.S. immigration through the NIW or would like to explore whether your experience and achievements align with national interest criteria, we invite you to contact our team. We provide eligibility evaluations and guidance tailored to your field and career goals, helping you take the next step toward a U.S. green card while continuing your impactful work.
Thath Kim II
US Attorney
Licensed in Oregon
14F 1425, 311 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea