Do I need to prove English fluency with a TOEFL score?

Under the EB-2 NIW, there is no formal requirement to prove English fluency through a test such as the TOEFL. The evaluation focuses on the merit of your work, your qualifications, and the relevance of your contributions to the national interest of the United States, not on a language proficiency score.

That does not mean English is irrelevant. A strong command of the language tends to ease several stages of your journey:

• Interviews and communication with authorities and professional partners.
• Networking and collaborations in your field.
• Adapting to professional and personal life in the United States.

In other words, demonstrating solid communication skills can be a positive factor, even though it is not a visa requirement. Because rules may change and each case is reviewed individually, it is worth checking current requirements on the official source (USCIS) or 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.