How does the ‘substantial merit’ part of the Dhanasar standard work in EB-2 NIW?

Within the EB-2 NIW, substantial merit is one of the considerations under the Dhanasar standard. It evaluates whether the proposed work or project has significant value and brings important benefits to the United States, in areas such as the economy, health, technology, or education.

The core idea is that your contribution goes beyond a purely personal or career advancement and reaches a broader interest capable of positively impacting strategic sectors of the country.

• Publications in specialized outlets that demonstrate the depth of your work.
• Awards, funding, and recognition from prestigious institutions.
• Evidence that your work positively influences your field and the country.

In short, demonstrating substantial merit means showing, with clear evidence, that the value of your work goes beyond individual benefit. Because each case is evaluated individually, it is worth consulting the updated guidelines on the USCIS website and seeking expert support to build your argument.

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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.