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At Zneimer & Zneimer P.C., our experienced immigration attorneys often guide physicians through the complicated process of moving from a J-1 visa waiver to a green card. Many physicians who secure a Conrad 30 waiver, DHHS waiver, or other J-1 waiver believe they can immediately apply for adjustment of status, but the law is clear that a J-1 physician must complete the full three-year service obligation before filing for a green card through adjustment of status.

Understanding this requirement is critical for avoiding delays, denials, and immigration complications.

Why Does the Three-Year Service Requirement Exist?

The legal foundation comes directly from the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and its regulations.  According to the INA, a physician who received a J-1 waiver based on agreeing to serve in an underserved area may not apply for a green card until completing the required service.  The INA specifically prohibits a J-1 waiver physician from applying for adjustment of status until completing at least three years of full-time employment in a designated shortage area.

Federal regulations bar J-1 waiver physicians from filing Form I-485 until the service is completed and require physicians to submit evidence proving that they have fulfilled the three-year commitment before adjustment of status can be filed.

In other words, physicians cannot adjust status while still working toward completion of their waiver service. Filing early will result in a denial.

Physician National Interest Waivers (PNIW): Is There an Exception?

Some physicians pursue a Physician National Interest Waiver (PNIW) to obtain permanent residence without employer sponsorship. However, even for PNIW applicants, the three-year service completion rule applies. Specifically, the National Interest Waiver for physicians requires:

  • The physician to work full-time in a medically underserved area or a Veterans Affairs facility.
  • The physician to complete either three or five years of service (depending on when the petition was filed).
  • The physician must complete the required service before adjustment of status can be granted.

A physician applying for a PNIW may file the I-140 petition before completing the service. However, the Form I-485 adjustment of status application cannot be approved until the physician satisfies the full three- or five-year service requirement.  USCIS will hold the I-485 pending until the service is completed.  There is no exception that allows a physician who has not completed the service obligation (whether for a J-1 waiver or PNIW) to actually receive a green card through adjustment.

To summarize the NIW and J-1 waiver interaction: Continue reading →

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The immigration lawyers of Zneimer & Zneimer remind noncitizens that effective April 11, 2025, all noncitizens present in the United States for 30 days or longer must comply with updated alien registration requirements under Section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), applicable regulations at 8 CFR Part 264, and Executive Order 14159.

Noncitizens are already registered if they submitted one of the prescribed registration forms listed in 8 CFR 264.1(a) and provided fingerprints (unless fingerprinting was waived), or if they were issued one of the prescribed documents listed in 8 CFR 264.1(b) as evidence of registration.

Forms that are considered Application for Registration Forms (8 CFR 264.1(a)):

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As January 2025 approaches, individuals and businesses across the United States feel a growing sense of uncertainty surrounding potential changes in U.S. immigration policy. Despite President-Elect Donald Trump’s assurance that Project 2025 will not dictate his administration’s agenda, his recent appointment of Tom Homan, former Acting ICE Director and contributor to Project 2025, as Border Czar suggests that some aspects of Project 2025 may still shape the future of U.S. immigration policy. Drawing on our experiences from the first Trump administration and a careful analysis of Project 2025 recommendations, the Chicago immigration law firm of Zneimer & Zneimer anticipates the return of a stricter immigration enforcement agenda. Here, we provide a closer look at anticipated policy changes, reinstatements, and potential legal options.

Policies Likely to Reappear

  • Increased Requests for Evidence and Denials: During Trump’s first term, USCIS issued an unprecedented number of RFEs and Notices of Intent to Deny, adding complexity to the approval process. This trend could continue, especially in business and family immigration, resulting in possible delays.
  • Mandatory Interviews: Project 2025 favors reinstating in-person interview requirements for adjustment of status, naturalization, and visa applicants, which may further contribute to backlogs and extend processing times.
  • Changes to Forms, Fees, and Filing: Anticipated changes could include updated forms and an emphasis on online filing. Pay.gov issues and unexpected fees, especially those tied to non-asylum applications funding asylum processing, may add unplanned expenses and confusion.
  • Termination of DACA, TPS, and Humanitarian Programs: Project 2025’s recommendations target DACA, TPS, and other humanitarian protections, potentially impacting Afghan, Ukrainian, and other protected individuals.
  • Reduced Asylum and Refugee Admissions: We expect stricter eligibility standards and lower quotas for asylum and refugee admissions, potentially slowing down humanitarian processing.
  • Increased Employer Audits and Site Visits: FDNS site visits and audits may increase, affecting businesses that sponsor foreign workers under programs like H1B and PERM.
  • No Deference to Prior Adjudications: Reinstating a policy that requires all renewal cases to undergo new scrutiny, Project 2025 rejects deference to prior USCIS approvals, adding potential hurdles to previously approved cases.
  • Travel Bans and Security Vetting: Additional security measures, including intensified vetting and administrative processing, could lead to new travel bans and prolonged processing times.
  • Public Charge Requirements: Project 2025 calls for strict public charge criteria, likely reintroducing Form I944 and its stringent financial requirements.
  • Family Detention Policies and the Flores Settlement: Project 2025 aims to overturn the Flores Settlement, which protects immigrant children in detention. Ending Flores could lead to prolonged family detentions and potential family separations, sparking significant litigation efforts.
  • Remain in Mexico Policy: The “Remain in Mexico” policy may reemerge, requiring asylum seekers from Central and South America to wait outside the U.S. while their cases are processed.

New Proposals from Project 2025

  • Deportations and ICE Raids: Project 2025 advocates for expanded ICE operations and deportations, which could strain agency resources.
  • State Cooperation with Immigration Enforcement: FEMA funds could become contingent on state cooperation with ICE, including sharing DMV and other state records.
  • Stricter Eligibility for T and U Visas: Project 2025 proposes heightened eligibility standards for humanitarian visas, including the power to pause certain applications for backlogged visa categories.
  • ICE and USCIS Restructuring: Project 2025 recommends aligning ICE’s mission more closely with immigration enforcement, proposing that USCIS focus primarily on screening and vetting functions.
  • Elimination of T and U Visas: The elimination of visas for trafficking and crime victims under Project 2025 would limit relief to those actively cooperating with law enforcement, favoring the S visa as the primary form of relief.
  • Detention and Bond Reforms: Project 2025 proposes strict guidelines for bond issuance, aiming to prevent noncitizens from “bonding out” before case resolution.
  • Increased Security in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP): ICE may further restrict student visas from countries considered national security risks.
  • Merging Immigration Functions: Project 2025 recommends merging ICE, CBP, and USCIS functions to create a more cohesive enforcement body.
  • Denaturalization and Criminal Investigations Units: The reinstatement of a denaturalization unit within USCIS, in addition to a criminal investigations unit, would aim to address fraud concerns in visa programs prone to exploitation.

Regulatory Agenda Highlights

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It did not take long. Mere days after the PIP opened, Texas, Idaho, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Wyoming  filed a Complaint for injunction with the Eastern District of Texas. The complaint against the Parole in Place (PIP) Keeping Families Together program, raises arguments that challenge the legality and appropriateness of the program. However, these allegations reveal significant oversights. Zneimer & Zneimer, P.C. has reviewed the complaint and the motion for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) filed in this case. Our firm remains committed to advocating for the protection of nuclear families, particularly those involving noncitizen members, while strictly adhering to the applicable legal standards and procedures. Through this blog, we aim to offer insights into why preserving these families serves a substantial public interest.

Allegations Challenging the Executive’s Parole Authority 

The complaint alleges that the Department of Homeland Security is overstepping its authority by using parole to allow noncitizens to remain in the United States instead of going for consular processing abroad. It claims that the parole authority should only be exercised on a case-by-case basis for “urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit,” and that the PIP program circumvents this by effectively creating a pathway to permanent residency for a large number of individuals. This argument is grounded in a restrictive interpretation of the parole authority under 8 U.S.C. § 1182(d)(5). The complaint points to the language of the statute, allowing for parole “for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit” and alleges that PIP does not account for this statutory requirement.  It is ironic that the states that claim to support families now argue against a program whose purpose is to prevent the disruption of established families, particularly those involving U.S. citizen children, which falls within the realm of “significant public benefit.” By allowing these families to remain undisrupted, the program indeed addresses urgent humanitarian concerns and promotes social stability, which is a substantial public benefit recognized in both statutory and case law.  Additionally, the complaint’s argument that parole should only be granted in narrowly defined, individual cases overlooks the program’s requirement that each person apply individually and individually qualify for the PIP.  The PIP program does not grant permanent residency or citizenship.  It simply allows individuals to remain with their families while their immigration status is resolved. This approach is humane and legally justified under the existing statutory framework.

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When seeking U.S. permanent residency under the EB-2 visa category, which is designed for individuals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities, the National Interest Waiver (NIW) presents an option. This waiver essentially waives the job offer requirement and the test of the U.S. market for U.S. worker, assuming the applicant’s endeavor will significantly benefit the United States. However, the complexity and strictness of the evidence required to prove such benefit mean that many applicants fail without adequate legal guidance. Zneimer & Zneimer P.C., a law firm with extensive experience in NIW petitions, has reviewed over two thousand AAO decisions and can spot common pitfalls to avoid RFEs or denials.

Understanding the NIW Criteria

The criteria for an NIW, set by the precedent case In re Dhanasar, are stringent:

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In the realm of U.S. immigration law, the National Interest Waiver (NIW) is a pathway for professionals seeking a green card without the need for a specific job offer or labor certification. However, proving that an endeavor is of “national importance” remains a difficult aspect of the NIW application process. At Zneimer & Zneimer, our extensive experience with NIW applications offers insights into what makes a successful claim of national importance, and how applicants can avoid common pitfalls.

The concept of “national importance” extends beyond the mere significance of an applicant’s work. It requires demonstrating that the proposed endeavor has substantial merit and the potential for wide-reaching impact across the United States. This includes, but is not limited to, contributions to the economy, healthcare, technology, education, or the environment.

We have analyzed over a thousand AAO decisions to determine what the USCIS is looking to determine whether the endeavor is of national importance.  Some examples can illustrate the evidence required:

  • A compelling example of national importance can be seen in the case of a neurosurgeon whose research directly contributes to advancements in stroke treatment. Despite the substantial merit of their work, the application was initially unsuccessful due to a lack of specific evidence tying the proposed research to broader national health outcomes. This highlights the importance of not just stating the merit of an endeavor but clearly connecting it to a national issue.
  • Renewable Energy Engineering: An engineer specializing in solar energy technologies developed a new, more efficient solar panel system. This endeavor was granted an NIW as it directly supports national goals for renewable energy adoption and reducing carbon emissions.
  • In the tech sector, an application succeeded by demonstrating how a software developer’s work in cybersecurity would address national security concerns, emphasizing the applicant’s unique qualifications and the specific outcomes of their work. This case underlines the effectiveness of showcasing an endeavor’s direct link to national priorities
  • A developer creating accessible educational software for underserved communities received an NIW. Their project was seen as crucial for addressing national challenges in education equality and access.
  • A researcher’s project focused on developing sustainable agriculture practices that would not only improve food security but also reduce environmental impact, received NIW due to its potential for national impact on both agriculture and environmental policies.
  • A public health professional working on innovative strategies for epidemic control, including the development of rapid testing methods, was recognized for their work’s national importance in improving public health emergency responses.
  • A scientist’s research focused on developing treatments for a rare disease was granted an NIW. The research’s potential for groundbreaking medical advancements and its alignment with national health priorities underscored its national importance

Here are several examples where USCIS found insufficient evidence of national importance:

  • A frequent issue arises when applicants provide broad statements about the importance of their field without delineating how their specific endeavor addresses a national concern. For instance, a human resources specialist claimed national importance based on general benefits of HR practices without detailing the unique impact of their work
  • Another pitfall includes failing to substantiate claims with robust evidence. An application lacked detailed information about how a nurse practitioner’s work with elderly patients would specifically influence national healthcare standards, despite the critical need in geriatric care.
  • A neurosurgeon and researcher failed to provide specific details about his proposed endeavor. Claims were broad, like intending to work in “research, industry, and academics” without elaborating on specific plans or how his work addresses a national issue .
  • A nurse practitioner failed to qualify for NIW.   Although qualified as a professional holding an advanced degree, the petitioner did not demonstrate how her work in providing patient care significantly impacts national healthcare standards or addresses national concerns beyond local community benefits .
  • A Human Resources Specialist’s proposed endeavor in human resources was deemed too general and lacking in specifics on how it would impact national employment or HR practices significantly. Broad statements about the importance of HR practices were not tied to national interests or specific outcomes .

To successfully argue national importance in an NIW application, Zneimer & Zneimer recommends the following strategies: Continue reading →

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After reviewing thousands of AAO decisions and drawing insights from their analysis, the most difficult prong to overcome for noncitizens is the national importance of the endeavor.   It is clear that understanding what constitutes “national importance” is pivotal in NIW cases. Through the analysis of appeals and the reasons for denial, we focus on the intricacies of the NIW application process for pilots.   The journey to approval is fraught with turbulence, particularly in illustrating the national importance of one’s contributions. Zneimer & Zneimer, a renowned Chicago immigration law firm, sheds light on this intricate process, offering pilots a guided navigation through the NIW application’s complexities.

At the heart of the NIW application lies the need to demonstrate that the work is of national importance. For pilots, this means transcending beyond the cockpit to impact broader national priorities such as aviation safety, innovation, or efficiency. The recent decisions in NIW cases highlight the critical nature of aligning personal endeavors with national interests, showcasing that a well-documented argument can make all the difference.

Common Pitfalls for Pilots:

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When talented professionals consider making the United States their permanent home, the National Interest Waiver (NIW) presents a unique pathway, bypassing the traditional job offer and labor certification requirements when it is in the national interest to  waive the testing of the job market for the availability of US workers. However, one pivotal question often emerges: “What is considered of national importance?” Zneimer & Zneimer, a leading Chicago immigration law firm with extensive experience in successful NIW applications, sheds light on this critical aspect.

Defining National Importance.  At its core, national importance refers to endeavors that significantly benefit the United States. This could mean contributing to the U.S. economy, healthcare, education, or technological advancement. However, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) looks for specific criteria:

  • Substantial Merit: The endeavor should have significant potential to create a national impact, not just within a local community or industry.
  • Broad Implications: It should address critical challenges facing the nation, offering solutions or advancements that have widespread benefits.

We analyzed thousands of AAO decisions and here are some examples which the immigration attorneys of Zneimer & Zneimer found to be areas where NIW applications have successfully demonstrated national importance:

  • Technology and Innovation: Advancements in AI, cybersecurity, or renewable energy that enhance national security or environmental sustainability.
  • Healthcare: Research or practices that address public health crises, improve healthcare delivery, or combat diseases with significant public health implications.
  • Education: Initiatives that transform educational methodologies, particularly in STEM fields, addressing the national need for a skilled workforce.

Drawing from their wealth of experience, Zneimer & Zneimer points out common pitfalls:

  • Lack of Specificity: General statements about the importance of a field do not suffice. Applications must clearly articulate how the individual’s specific endeavor impacts national priorities.
  • Insufficient Evidence: Successful applications are supported by tangible evidence, such as studies, expert letters, and data, demonstrating the endeavor’s impact.

How Zneimer & Zneimer Can Help Continue reading →

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The key to a successful NIW application lies in demonstrating that the endeavor has substantial merit and national importance. The Chicago immigration attorneys at Zneimer & Zneimer, analyzed over one thousand appellate decisions and identified common pitfalls that lead to the denial of NIW applications. In several blog post we will shed light on what “national importance” really means and how to position the application for success.

The term “national importance” is a threshold requirement in NIW applications but is not explicitly defined by U.S. immigration law. Analysis of appeals decisions, reveals that national importance extends beyond the potential benefits of an endeavor to how it addresses broader national challenges. Whether it is advancing technological innovation, contributing to the healthcare system, or enhancing educational methodologies, the endeavor must have significant implications that align with national priorities.

Common Pitfalls in Demonstrating National Importance

Lack of Specificity: A recurring theme in unsuccessful NIW appeals is the failure to articulate how the endeavor specifically addresses a national issue. For example, stating that a project contributes to economic growth without detailing its direct impact on national priorities is often insufficient.

Overemphasis on Personal Achievements: While personal qualifications and achievements are important, several appeals were denied because applicants did not effectively tie their personal successes to the national impact of their proposed endeavor.

Insufficient Evidence of Impact: Successful applications typically include robust evidence, such as endorsements from government entities or industry leaders, data projections, and case studies demonstrating the national significance of the endeavor. Appeals decisions often cited a lack of such evidence as a reason for denial.

Drawing from the insights of Zneimer & Zneimer’s extensive experience, here are strategies to enhance your NIW application:

  • Align With National Goals: Research current national priorities and clearly demonstrate how your endeavor aligns with these goals. Whether it is contributing to national security through cybersecurity advancements or addressing public health crises, specificity is key.
  • Quantify Your Impact: Provide concrete, quantifiable evidence of how your work will benefit the nation. This could include potential job creation, economic impact assessments, or contributions to critical research areas.
  • Leverage Expert Opinions: Seek endorsements from recognized experts or government officials who can vouch for the national importance of your endeavor. Their insights can add significant weight to your application.
  • Document Your Endeavor: Include a detailed plan outlining how you intend to achieve your goals, supported by evidence of any progress made to date. This demonstrates both your commitment and your project’s feasibility.

Continue reading →

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In the complex web of U.S. immigration law, the National Interest Waiver (NIW) is a pathway for professionals and entrepreneurs wishing to contribute significantly to American society. At the Chicago immigration law practice of Zneimer & Zneimer, we have had the privilege of providing legal guidance to many noncitizens through the intricacies of the NIW process, leading to many approvals and ultimately permanent residence. Our extensive experience, coupled with a thorough analysis of thousands of appellate decisions, has equipped us with unique insights into the common pitfalls applicants face, especially regarding demonstrating national importance.

A critical stumbling block for many NIW applicants is proving that their work is of national importance. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) sets a high bar for this criterion, requiring evidence that an applicant’s endeavors will significantly benefit the United States. Unfortunately, many well-intentioned and highly qualified individuals falter at this hurdle.

Common Failures and Examples we Identified

1. Broad Assertions Without Concrete Impact. Many applicants make the mistake of relying on broad assertions about the importance of their field without linking their specific contributions to tangible, national outcomes. For instance, a researcher in renewable energy might highlight the global need for sustainable sources but fail to demonstrate how their specific project addresses an unmet need within the United States or leads to advancements with wide-reaching implications.

2. Misalignment with National Priorities. Another frequent oversight is failing to align the proposed endeavor with explicitly stated national priorities or initiatives. An entrepreneur in the tech industry, for example, may develop a groundbreaking application without showing how this innovation supports national objectives in technology competitiveness, cybersecurity, or economic development.

3. Inadequate Documentation of Broader Implications. Applicants often underestimate the importance of substantiating the broader implications of their work. A case in point involved a medical professional specializing in rare diseases who provided extensive documentation on their clinical expertise and patient care but lacked evidence on how their research or treatments could influence national healthcare strategies or public health policies.

4. Lack of Distinct Contributions. A common pitfall is the failure to distinguish personal contributions from the broader field. For example, an architect promoting sustainable urban development might present a compelling vision for green cities but fail to delineate their unique contributions or how their work sets new standards or models for national adoption.

5. Overlooking Quantifiable Economic or Societal Impact. Finally, many applicants struggle to present quantifiable evidence of their economic or societal impact. A financial analyst advocating for more equitable housing financing solutions provided a wealth of theoretical knowledge but fell short in demonstrating the national economic impact, such as evidence of reduced housing disparities or improved financial accessibility for underserved communities. Continue reading →

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