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Having relatives in the USA: does it hinder or help?

Having relatives in the USA does not influence EB-2 NIW visa eligibility, which exclusively evaluates professional merit and the relevance of work for the national interest.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on February 26, 2026
2 min read
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When considering the various pathways to immigrate to the United States, it is normal to have doubts about factors that may positively or negatively influence the process. One such question concerns the presence of relatives in the country, especially regarding the EB-2 NIW visa.

In the context of the EB-2 NIW, this visa is designed for professionals with advanced skills or who have a degree of excellence in their field, and the main focus is on individual merit and the relevance of the work for the national interest of the United States. Thus, having family members living in the country generally does not change the eligibility criteria or the merit required for this type of visa. In other words, having relatives in the United States may offer practical or emotional support, but it is not a decisive factor in the success of the application, since the approval of the EB-2 NIW primarily depends on the evaluation of your professional background, academic record, and contributions to the national interest.

It is worth noting that, while the EB-2 NIW prioritizes individual qualifications, other immigration processes based on family reunification do indeed have the presence of relatives as a central element. However, in the specific case of the EB-2 NIW, your application will be evaluated based on your achievements and the potential to generate benefits for the country, regardless of whether you have relatives in the United States or not.

Finally, it is essential always to follow the current immigration laws and seek information from reliable sources. Be wary of marketing campaigns that promise guaranteed results or quick solutions, and avoid scams that could jeopardize your journey. Remember to carefully analyze all options and consider the support of specialized professionals, always within the legal scope, to assist with conducting the process according to United States regulations.

Learn more about EB-2 NIW

Category
EB-2 NIW Green Card
Self-petition
Allowed (no sponsor needed)
PERM
Waived
Processing
12-36 months
All about EB-2 NIW
Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.

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Having relatives in the USA: does it hinder or help?

Having relatives in the USA does not influence EB-2 NIW visa eligibility, which exclusively evaluates professional merit and the relevance of work for the national interest.

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