Advanced Interested Government Agency Waivers
What Happens Inside the Federal Agency Before It Sends an IGA Letter?
An IGA request is often preceded by internal agency review. The agency may screen eligibility, evaluate the federal program interest, review the applicant's role and supporting evidence, and decide whether an authorized official should submit a request to DOS.
Reviewed by Peter Messersmith ·
2026-09-14
DOS receives the agency's final request
The federal agency must first decide internally whether it supports the case before its authorized official submits the request.
Agency procedures can have multiple stages
NSF currently uses eligibility screening followed by full package review. HHS separately reviews applications for regulatory eligibility and completeness.
The employer may supply evidence without becoming the IGA
An institution or employer may prepare evidence for agency review, but the federal agency remains responsible for its own request to DOS.
Internal agency approval is not the final immigration decision
After the agency acts, DOS reviews the waiver recommendation request and USCIS makes the final waiver decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does DOS receive every inquiry sent to a federal agency?
No. An agency may screen or decline a case before any IGA request is submitted to DOS.
Can an employer participate in the internal review?
Yes, depending on agency procedures, but the employer does not become the federal IGA.
Is agency approval the final waiver approval?
No. DOS and USCIS still have later roles.
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