Does a client list spanning 20 states signal national reach?

It can be a good sign, but it is not conclusive on its own. In the EB-2 NIW, having clients spread across 20 states can help suggest that your work has national reach, which aligns with the idea of broad benefit to the United States. Even so, it is just one piece of the overall picture.

The analysis is holistic, and geographic distribution is weighed alongside other elements that carry significant weight:

• Relevance and quality of your contributions.
• Publications, awards, and professional recognition.
• Evidence of real impact in your field.

In other words, geographic reach strengthens the narrative of national importance, but it is not the single factor that decides the outcome. Ideally, you should present this data within a broader context that demonstrates the merit and impact of your work.

Since every case has its own details, check the updated guidance from USCIS and, if possible, work with a specialist to build a consistent and compelling argument.

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.