A National Interest Waiver falls under the EB-2 category and allows applicants to request a waiver of the PERM labor certification if they can demonstrate that their work has substantial merit and national importance, that they are well positioned to advance the proposed endeavor, and that waiving the labor certification benefits the United States. Unlike traditional PERM, the applicant may self-petition without an employer sponsor.

Perm is a requirement by the DOL to apply for EB-2 visa, while NIW is a way to waive the requirement to get PERM