Can I file a joint petition with colleagues?

To put it plainly: EB-2 NIW is an individual self-petition, and filing a joint petition with colleagues is not possible. Each applicant submits their own case and must demonstrate their own merits and the impact of their individual work.

This design reflects the underlying logic of the visa, which values personal contribution. Accordingly, the review is conducted on a case-by-case basis, without consolidating multiple profiles into a single application, even when applicants collaborate on the same project.

That does not mean colleagues are left out of the process entirely. They can participate in other ways:

• Writing recommendation letters about your work.
• Providing statements that confirm the reach of your contribution.
• Serving as references for projects on which you collaborated.

In short, third-party support strengthens your petition, but the filing remains yours alone. Because each case is evaluated individually, it is worth checking updated requirements on the USCIS website and building your strategy with a qualified 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.