How does the ‘substantial merit’ part of the Dhanasar criterion work?

The ‘substantial merit’ criterion is part of the set of guidelines established within the Dhanasar framework, which is used to evaluate National Interest Waiver (NIW) requests under the EB-2 visa. This criterion aims to demonstrate that the proposed work or project has significant value and brings important benefits to the United States.

In other words, what is expected is that the activity performed or the proposed contribution goes beyond a simple professional advancement, positively impacting strategic areas such as the economy, health, technology, education, among others that are of national interest. To prove ‘substantial merit’, it is necessary to provide clear evidence that your project or field of activity holds high relevance. This may include publications in specialized journals, awards, obtained funding, or recognition from prestigious institutions, for example.

What is at stake is demonstrating that your efforts not only benefit your career but also promote advances for the country as a whole. Thus, the evaluator will consider whether your work has the potential to positively influence critical sectors and generate economic, cultural, or social impact.

It is always important to emphasize the need to strictly follow United States immigration laws and to seek guidance from trustworthy sources and qualified specialists when dealing with immigration processes. The immigration environment can be complex and, unfortunately, there are many approaches that promise guaranteed results or simplifications that do not reflect reality. Therefore, stay alert and avoid falling for scams or marketing campaigns that promise miraculous solutions.

In summary, demonstrating ‘substantial merit’ is essential for the NIW request to be positively evaluated, as it confirms that the required project or activity brings clear and measurable benefits to the country. Clarity in documentation and robust proof of the potential impact of your achievements are fundamental to building a strong case in the context of the 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.