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Is there any processing priority for healthcare professions post-Covid?

The EB-2 NIW has no formal priority for healthcare professions: each case is evaluated on the national importance of the work. See how healthcare professionals can build a strong record.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on July 14, 2026
1 min read
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There is no formal, exclusive processing priority for healthcare professions under the EB-2 NIW, even in the post-pandemic landscape. The visa does not operate with expedited queues or accelerated categories based on field of work: each petition is evaluated individually on the merit and national importance of the work presented.

The EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) allows qualified professionals to request a waiver of the job offer and labor certification requirements when they demonstrate that their work serves the national interest of the United States. This standard applies to any field, so a healthcare professional is evaluated by the same parameters as a researcher, an engineer, or an entrepreneur.

In practice, what strengthens a case is not the professional label, but concrete evidence of meaningful contribution. Healthcare professionals can indeed build a strong record when they show, for example:

  • Innovations, research, or protocols that improved patient care.
  • Impact of their work beyond their own employer or institution.
  • Recognition from peers, publications, or adoption of their solutions.

Because each case is analyzed individually by USCIS and guidelines may change, it is worth verifying updated requirements at the official source and reviewing your profile with a specialist before filing.

Learn more about EB-2 NIW

Category
EB-2 NIW Green Card
Self-petition
Allowed (no sponsor needed)
PERM
Waived
Processing
12-36 months
All about EB-2 NIW

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.

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Is there any processing priority for healthcare professions post-Covid?

The EB-2 NIW has no formal priority for healthcare professions: each case is evaluated on the national importance of the work. See how healthcare professionals can build a strong record.

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