Does USCIS scrutinize the costs of your EB-2 NIW case?

USCIS does not evaluate or scrutinize the costs you incurred to build your EB-2 NIW petition. What it reviews is the merit of your work and its national importance, based on the evidence you submit, not a breakdown of your expenses.

Costs such as attorney fees, translations, credential evaluations, and document procurement are your own investments and do not factor into the approval decision. What can weaken a petition is not the amount spent, but rather weak or unreliable documents.

• Choose credential evaluations performed by recognized organizations.
• Use translations prepared by a qualified translator with clear identification.
• Ensure each document has an evident connection to your specific case.
• Keep your supporting materials organized, even though USCIS will not audit them line by line.

Rather than focusing on cost, direct your energy toward the quality and consistency of the evidence demonstrating merit and national interest. Because each case is evaluated individually, it is worth verifying the current requirements at the official source (USCIS) and, when possible, reviewing your strategy with an expert 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.