Does the size of my company matter for the NIW?

Company size is not what decides an EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) petition. The visa evaluates the individual and the impact of their work, not the scale of the organization they work for. A professional at a small company, or even leading their own project, can qualify just as much as someone at a large corporation.

What the review looks for is the national importance and the merit of the work: its relevance, its reach, and its potential to generate real benefits in the United States. A lean structure can even be seen as an agile environment for innovation, as long as the impact is well documented.

• The core of the evaluation is the applicant’s work, not the size of the company.
• Publications, awards, recognition, and high-impact projects strengthen the case.
• Entrepreneurs and self-employed professionals can also qualify.

Since each case is evaluated individually, it is worth reviewing the current criteria at the official source (USCIS) and assessing your profile with a specialist before filing.

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.