How to know if the costs you pay in your EB-2 NIW case are fair?

It is worth correcting the premise: you do not need to prove to USCIS that your process costs are justified. The agency does not evaluate how much you spent or require justification of expenses; the EB-2 NIW decision is based on the merit and national importance of your work. The question of “fair” costs makes sense in a different context: yours, when assessing whether what you pay a professional is proportionate to the service.

In that sense, to know whether an investment is fair, it is reasonable to ask for:

• A clear scope of service: each step, from the initial assessment to assembling the petition package.
• A detailed quote, separating professional fees, filing fees, and operational costs.
• Transparency about timelines, responsibilities, and what is or is not included.

Higher costs often reflect more complex cases and more preparation work, but a high price does not guarantee quality. What protects you is the clarity of the relationship and the reputation of whom you hire, not a specific dollar amount. Be wary of anyone who promises guaranteed approval or charges without explaining what they deliver.

For what truly decides your case, consult the official USCIS guidelines and focus your energy and resources on the evidence of merit in your work.

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.