Is it normal for the USCIS to ask if I was fired before?

Yes, it is normal. When reviewing an EB-1 petition, the USCIS typically examines the applicant’s full professional history to understand their career trajectory, and questions about previous jobs, including departures or terminations, are part of that review.

The goal is to verify the consistency and accuracy of the information, building a complete picture of your career. Having been laid off or terminated at some point does not automatically harm the petition: a termination may be tied to restructuring, shifts in company direction, or other circumstances that say nothing about your qualifications.

The truly sensitive point is how you respond. It is always worth:

• Answering with transparency and precision, without omitting facts.
• Avoiding any attempt to gloss over or reframe your history.
• Keeping records that explain the context, if needed.

Omissions or manipulated information can create far more serious complications than the termination itself. Each case is assessed individually, so it is worth checking the updated guidance on the USCIS website and, when in doubt, reviewing your presentation with a specialist.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.