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Can economic impact data be used in the petition?

Yes: in an EB-2 NIW petition, well-documented economic impact data strengthens your case. Learn what to include, from job creation to innovation, and how to tie each figure to your own work.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on July 15, 2026
1 min read
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Yes. In an EB-2 NIW petition, economic impact data can be included and often serves as a valuable asset, because it helps translate in concrete terms why your work benefits the national interest of the United States. This data does not replace the rest of your argument, but gives it a measurable foundation.

For this data to carry weight, it must be well documented and clearly linked to your own contributions. Some examples of what may be included:

  • Indicators of job creation or economic activity associated with your work.
  • Investments, revenues, or cost savings that resulted from your contributions.
  • Effects of technological innovations on an industry or supply chain.
  • Studies, reports, or publications from reliable sources that support those figures.

The decisive factor is not the mere existence of the data, but rather the reliability of the source and the clear connection between the data and your contributions. Avoid inflated or unsupported estimates, which can weaken the petition. Since each case is evaluated individually, it is worth verifying current requirements with USCIS and organizing your evidence with a specialist before filing.

Learn more about EB-2 NIW

Category
EB-2 NIW Green Card
Self-petition
Allowed (no sponsor needed)
PERM
Waived
Processing
12-36 months
All about EB-2 NIW

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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.

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Can economic impact data be used in the petition?

Yes: in an EB-2 NIW petition, well-documented economic impact data strengthens your case. Learn what to include, from job creation to innovation, and how to tie each figure to your own work.

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