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I am a freelancer. Do I need to submit contracts from every client?

Freelancers pursuing the EB-2 NIW do not need to submit a contract from every client. Learn how to choose the evidence that best demonstrates the consistency and impact of your work.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on July 17, 2026
1 min read
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No, you do not need to submit a contract from every client. In the EB-2 NIW, the goal is not to gather every possible document, but to build a consistent narrative showing that your work has quality, regularity, and impact in your field.

For a freelancer, contracts can be useful because they demonstrate continuity and real professional relationships. Even so, they are just one form of evidence. Other documents often serve the same purpose, sometimes more effectively:

  • Recommendation letters from clients or experts in your field.
  • Publications, portfolio, and work with notable reach.
  • Reports, results, and metrics that show the impact of your work.
  • Recognition, awards, or testimonials that attest to your quality.

The smart choice is to select the most representative evidence, not to accumulate paperwork. A clear, organized, and coherent set of documents carries more weight than a large volume of repetitive materials.

Each case is evaluated individually by USCIS. To determine which evidence best strengthens your freelancer profile, check the updated guidelines and assess your strategy with a specialist.

Learn more about EB-2 NIW

Category
EB-2 NIW Green Card
Self-petition
Allowed (no sponsor needed)
PERM
Waived
Processing
12-36 months
All about EB-2 NIW

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.

Victoria's tips

I am a freelancer. Do I need to submit contracts from every client?

Freelancers pursuing the EB-2 NIW do not need to submit a contract from every client. Learn how to choose the evidence that best demonstrates the consistency and impact of your work.

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