How does the officer evaluate whether my impact is current or prospective?

In EB-2 NIW cases, the immigration officer does not apply a fixed formula: the officer reviews the full picture of your evidence to determine whether your contribution has already produced concrete results (current impact) or whether there is a solid basis to believe it will generate meaningful benefits going forward (prospective impact).

Current impact typically appears in accomplishments that have already been recognized and applied in your field. Prospective impact rests on a credible plan of what you intend to develop and how that work is likely to benefit the national interest of the United States.

Several elements help support one or both dimensions:

• Evidence of recognition and results already achieved throughout your career.
• A clear plan of projects, collaborations, and future objectives.
• Letters from experts who assess both what you have already delivered and your future potential.

The evaluation is holistic and conducted case by case: the officer weighs past accomplishments alongside the plausibility of future contributions. For that reason, it is worth organizing your documentation clearly and verifying the current criteria at the official source (USCIS) or 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.