I am self-employed and do not issue pay stubs. What do I do?

Not having pay stubs is not an obstacle for the EB-2 NIW. Self-employed professionals can demonstrate income and professional activity through alternative means, and what the authority values is the consistency and verifiability of the evidence, not a specific payroll format.

In place of traditional pay stubs, you can gather documents that reflect your professional reality, such as:

• Tax returns and bank statements.
• Service contracts and invoices issued.
• Letters from clients attesting to the continuity of your work.
• Materials showing the development of your projects and your recognition in the field.

More than proving income, the goal is to demonstrate how your work contributes in a meaningful way to your field and to the national interest of the United States. A well-contextualized account of your professional history can often substitute for what a pay stub would show in formal employment.

Put together a solid, transparent, and coherent portfolio and, if possible, review your strategy with a specialist. Always check the latest guidance from the official source (USCIS).

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.