After approval, can I drastically change my professional field?

There is no explicit prohibition. After being approved for the EB-2 NIW, no rigid rule requires you to remain in the same field forever. The immigration system recognizes that career paths evolve and changes in direction do happen.

The key concern lies in the foundation of your approval. The EB-2 NIW was granted based on the national interest of the work you proposed to continue. A drastic change of field could, further down the road, raise questions about whether your work still supports what justified the waiver, especially at future stages of your immigration journey.

• Career transitions are possible and recognized.
• Abrupt changes call for extra attention to the consistency of your case.
• Keeping evidence of new contributions helps maintain a solid foundation.

If you plan to change fields, do so with planning and by documenting how your new work continues to contribute at a relevant level. It is worth consulting a specialist about the effects of that transition on your status before taking the step.

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.