Narrative of My Background

When I first arrived in the U.S., I was unaware of the opportunity to self-sponsor for a green card through the National Interest Waiver (NIW). Had I known, I might have pursued a doctorate and a research-focused career immediately. Instead, I learned about a significant teacher shortage in public schools and the potential to secure employment-based sponsorship by becoming a teacher. Motivated by this, I worked as a high school math teacher in a rural, high-poverty area for three years, providing quality education where it was needed most.

Initially, my school principal and district superintendent agreed to sponsor me through the labor certification process (PERM), which involved demonstrating to the Department of Labor that no qualified U.S. workers were available for the position. However, this support was later withdrawn, likely due to the financial burden of offering me a higher salary than other teachers. Despite this setback, I remained determined and leveraged my husband’s E-2 visa status to continue working, though frequent delays in receiving my EAD card created ongoing challenges.

Seeking stability and career growth, I pursued graduate studies in mathematics, qualified for STEM OPT, and secured a position at a community college. Two years later, I transitioned to a university as a mathematics instructor, further advancing my contributions to STEM education.

NIW: A Path for Without a PhD or Research Papers

In 2019, I first learned about the possibility of self-sponsoring for a green card through the NIW. However, during an initial consultation, a lawyer informed me that research publications were essential for success. This left me disheartened, but in 2023, I discovered a science teacher’s story about achieving NIW approval without a PhD or research papers. Encouraged by this example, I resolved to pursue the NIW path myself.

I began researching the NIW process in depth and diligently collecting evidence to support my case. Unfortunately, I lost access to important materials when former employers deactivated my email accounts, but I remained steadfast. By documenting my contributions and showcasing my impact as an educator, I built a strong and compelling case.

Having already participated in professional organizations, attended key conferences, and joined national math associations, I realized I had a solid foundation for my petition. I meticulously organized my records, including memberships, certifications, and professional activities, and devoted countless hours to refining my petition during summer breaks.

Strategies for Building a Strong NIW Case

To strengthen my case, I collected 15 recommendation letters from colleagues, supervisors, students, and peers across various institutions. These letters highlighted my contributions to STEM education, including curriculum development, student mentorship, and efforts to support underrepresented groups. They also emphasized how my work aligned with the national interest, a critical criterion for NIW approval.

I demonstrated my career progression through promotions, salary increases, and my transition from instructor to lecturer, illustrating my professional growth and the recognition I had earned. Additionally, I showcased my leadership roles in committees and my work designing supplemental courses to help engineering students struggling with calculus, underscoring my commitment to student success.

Beyond academics, I actively engaged in outreach programs, such as summer workshops, to bridge gaps in STEM education. These initiatives not only helped students develop foundational skills but also highlighted my dedication to making STEM education accessible to diverse populations.

I further bolstered my case by documenting my participation in prestigious conferences, such as the AAAS Conference, and maintaining detailed records of professional development activities. This included receipts, certificates, and detailed descriptions of the knowledge I gained and applied in my teaching.