How do project costs fit into an EB-2 NIW petition?

Unlike investment-based visas, the EB-2 NIW is not evaluated through the financial structure of a project. There is no budget to audit and no indirect costs to allocate: the petition stands on the merit of your work and its national importance, assessed individually by the competent authority.

That is why cost spreadsheets, allocation methodologies, and expense comparisons are not the centerpiece of the petition. What strengthens the case is evidence that your work has relevance and potential impact for the United States.

• Documents that demonstrate the nature and scope of your work.
• Letters, publications, or recognitions attesting to the significance of your contributions.
• A clear plan of what you intend to develop and why it serves the national interest.

If your case involves a specific financial component, address it transparently, but do not make it the core of the petition. Since criteria are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, it is worth reviewing the updated guidance from USCIS and consulting with a specialist.

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Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

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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.