National Interest Waiver Program
The National Interest Waiver Program (NIW) allows professionals of exceptional ability to request a waiver of the US Immigration labor certification requirements, based on a letter of recommendation from the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS). The DHSS provides an official letter to the US Department of State stating the work of the professional is in the public interest.
Physicians applying for a NIW are required to work full-time for five years in a health professional shortage area (HPSA). Time spent in H1-B status to fulfill J-1 Visa Waiver requirements may be counted towards the five year term. National Interest Waivers are an effective way for foreign physicians to attain permanent residency status in the U.S.
NIW requirements are located at CSR 10-4.030. Waiver requests which do not comply with these requirements will not be considered.
Prior to submitting the request, utilize the NIW Checklist with Guidance to ensure that all required documents are provided. Please use the completed checklist as a coversheet when submitting documents. No attestation shall be granted to any physician who fails to provide any of the information listed in the requirements.
Submission Timeframes
Support letters may be requested year-round.
Process to Apply
Application packets can be emailed in a PDF format to ORHPCinfo@health.mo.gov, or mailed to:
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Office of Rural Health and Primary Care
PO Box 570
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0570
*Please note that if it’s sent by mail or courier, it will not come directly to our office. It will go to a central mailroom first and will require additional time for the program office to receive the application.
After Application
After reviewing the submitted request, if all documentation is complete, the Letter of Support will be drafted and emailed to the lawyer to include with their application filing for an NIW. Please plan accordingly to allow time for our office to review documents. Letters can take up to 10 business days from the date the request is received by our office.