Can my spouse and children immigrate with me through EB-2 NIW?

Yes. The EB-2 NIW allows the principal applicant to bring along close family members, typically a spouse and unmarried children within the applicable dependency age range. These family members enter as dependents of the case, linked to the petition filed by the principal applicant.

In practice, this means that the family can obtain permanent residency together with the principal applicant, generally following the same final step of the process. Dependents do not need to demonstrate their own merit or national interest, since the foundation of the case is the principal applicant’s work.

• Spouses and qualifying unmarried children are typically included as dependents.
• Dependents generally obtain residency together with the principal applicant.
• Family members are not required to demonstrate their own merit or national interest.

Since the eligibility conditions for dependents have their own rules and may change, it is worth confirming the updated requirements from the official source and planning the family’s inclusion with a specialist from the beginning of the process.

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.