Can the green card granted through the EB-2 NIW be revoked if I stop working in the field?

The EB-2 NIW does not tie your green card to a specific employer, and that is part of the strength of this pathway: because there is no sponsorship or job offer attached, you are not locked into a particular position or company after obtaining residency. There is, however, an important expectation of good faith.

The case is built on the premise that you intend to continue contributing to the field of merit and national importance that supported the approval. Completely abandoning that field shortly after receiving the green card, especially in a way that suggests the stated intention was not genuine, is a sensitive scenario and can raise questions. The right to change direction over the course of a career exists, but consistency with what was petitioned matters.

• The EB-2 NIW does not bind you to a specific employer or fixed position.
• Good faith in the intention to continue working in the approved field is expected.
• Evolving within the same field is different from abandoning it immediately.

Because the line between a natural career evolution and a change that conflicts with the petition depends on the specific context, it is worth speaking with a specialist before making a major professional shift shortly after the grant, in order to understand the risks of your particular situation.

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.