What are the three prongs USCIS uses to decide an EB-2 National Interest Waiver?

The NIW test comes from the Dhanasar framework and has three prongs. First, your proposed endeavor must have both substantial merit and national importance, which can be in fields like business, science, technology, health, education or culture. Second, you must be well positioned to advance that endeavor, judged by your qualifications, track record, plan and progress.

Third, USCIS weighs whether, on balance, it would be beneficial to the US to waive the standard job offer and labor certification requirement. You must establish each prong by a preponderance of the evidence. Even if all three are met, the waiver is discretionary, so a clear, evidence-backed narrative of why your work matters nationally is key.