Does the USCIS verify the validity of the links I submit?

There is no rule requiring the USCIS to actively check every link you submit, but that does not mean the links are ignored. When reviewing an EB-2 NIW petition, an officer may indeed attempt to access the URLs you cited to verify a publication, a citation, or other supporting material.

That is exactly where the risk lies: if a link is broken, the content has changed, or it does not show what you described, that piece of evidence loses weight at the time of evaluation. Evidence that cannot be verified is almost like evidence that does not exist.

For this reason, best practice is not to rely solely on a web address:

• Include a copy (printed or as a file) of the content the link points to.
• Prefer stable, reliable sources that are less likely to go offline.
• Review your links before submitting to confirm they open and display what you describe.

That way, even if a page changes or is removed, your evidence remains available in the record. Since each case is evaluated individually, it is worth checking the latest instructions from the USCIS and, if needed, working with a specialist to organize your documentation so it stands on its own.

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.