The EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) is a high-quality pathway within U.S. employment-based immigration. It is highly favored by high-level professionals because it does not rely on employer sponsorship and offers relatively flexible procedures. However, this category imposes dual requirements on applicants: they must meet the basic educational or ability threshold of the EB-2 category and also pass a three-pronged substantive test for the national interest waiver.