Category: MCC Immigration Blogs

Many professionals working in the United States on an H‑1B visa feel the pressure of the six‑year limit. If permanent residency is part of your long‑term plan, timing is critical. Filing your green card petition early can create valuable flexibility. One effective way to do this is by filing a National Interest Waiver petition before…

Many assume that the EB-1A green card is only for scientists, inventors, or elite researchers. While these individuals certainly qualify, the EB-1A category is also available to those with extraordinary ability in the arts. A recent Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) decision from March 11, 2025, offers a useful case study. It involves a professional violist…

For individuals applying for a National Interest Waiver, preparing the petition packet is only part of the journey. Once the documents are sent to USCIS and received at the lockbox facility, the waiting begins. But what follows is not always predictable. There are several possible outcomes after submission, and each carries a different meaning. In…

Case Overview On June 24, 2025, one of our clients received approval for their EB-2 National Interest Waiver petition. The case was filed with USCIS on May 27, 2025, and processed under premium processing. It was approved in less than a month without a request for additional evidence. The petitioner currently holds an L-1 visa…

Many people applying for a National Interest Waiver (NIW) find it hard to know how long they should expect to wait. One of the most common questions is: How long does it usually take to get a decision? And at what point is it okay to contact USCIS for an update? ​ In this blog,…

Many professionals who are new to the U.S. immigration process hear about the National Interest Waiver (NIW) and assume that getting it approved means they receive a green card. This is a common misunderstanding. In reality, an NIW approval is only one part of a multi-step immigration process—it does not grant lawful permanent residency on…

Many NIW applicants list awards believing that any form of recognition will strengthen their case. In practice, USCIS draws a clear distinction between routine awards and awards given for merit. Understanding this difference is important because it directly affects how officers evaluate evidence of achievement. ​ What USCIS Considers a Routine Award A routine award…

Since the beginning of 2025, we have observed a shift in the types of Requests for Evidence (RFEs) issued by USCIS in NIW petitions. While the core adjudication standards remain unchanged, several recent RFEs have raised questions that were rarely seen before. These changes are not drastic, but they reflect a potentially evolving approach by…

For many professionals in South Korea, the idea of immigrating to the United States through the National Interest Waiver (NIW) process can feel overwhelming. While much of the attention often goes toward getting the I-140 petition approved, fewer people know what happens afterward. ​ One area that causes confusion is the temporary proof of permanent…

For professionals applying for a National Interest Waiver (NIW), establishing work experience abroad can help support the argument that they are well positioned to advance their proposed endeavor. However, not all international work leaves behind formal documents. In some cases, an award may serve as supporting evidence, especially when other records are unavailable. ​ Challenges…