How to handle indirect project costs in an EB-2 NIW petition?

With the EB-2 NIW, it is common to confuse the process with an investment-based pathway, but it is not. There is no requirement to account for direct and indirect costs as there is in programs based on financial contributions. The core of the analysis is the merit of your work and its national importance.

This does not mean that financial data has no value: it can be included as supporting material when it helps explain the scope of a project. If you choose to include it, the same care applies as with any document: clarity and consistency.

• Present figures in an organized way, separating what is essential from what is supplementary.
• Explain the basis of each estimate so that the reasoning is easy to follow.
• Attach supporting documents, such as quotes or contracts, when available.
• Maintain a uniform methodology throughout the entire petition.

The goal is never to prove how much was spent, but rather to strengthen the credibility of your narrative. Since each case is evaluated individually, confirm updated guidance from the official source (USCIS) and consider seeking specialized support.

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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.