Most employment-based immigrants must obtain a labor certification before applying for U.S. permanent residence status.  However, a labor certification might not be feasible for some applicants, because they wish to be self-employed or because their employers do not wish to sponsor them.  Those applicants can self-petition for their green cards if they can demonstrate that their work will be in the national interest of the United States.  A large percentage of National Interest Waivers (NIW) are denied, so this type of case must be prepared carefully.  The primary guidelines for determining eligibility for an NIW can be found in an administrative decision, New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT).