Form i-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status

National Interest Waiver (NIW) Physicians 

You may qualify for a National Interest Waiver if you worked full time as a physician for a total of five years (not 

including work while in J-1 status) in a designated medical shortage area or at a Veterans Administration healthcare 

facility, and a Federal agency or state department of public health has determined such work is in the public interest.

USCIS will not approve your Form I-485 as an NIW physician until you submit evidence showing you have completed 

the full five years of required employment.  You must submit evidence within 120 days of completing the five years of 

required employment.  USCIS will consider your Form I-485 ready for final processing and adjudication once you submit 

this evidence.