Does a shortage of professionals in my field justify the EB-2 NIW?

On its own, the shortage is not enough. A shortage of professionals in your field can be a good supporting element for the EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver), but it does not sustain the petition by itself. The focus of this path is to demonstrate that your work has merit and relevance to the national interest of the United States.

The lack of specialists gains weight when you can show that this gap harms the country’s progress, innovation, or competitiveness, and that your work helps to fill it. For that, the argument must come with evidence, not just an assertion.

• Support the shortage claim with data, studies, and publications.
• Connect the gap to your profile, showing that you help solve it.
• Integrate it all into a larger case, with qualification and a track record of achievements.

Since each case is reviewed individually, it is worth checking the current requirements with the official source (USCIS) and building your strategy with a specialist before petitioning.

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.