I filed a patent in Europe but not in the U.S. Is it worth mentioning?

Yes, it is worth mentioning. In the EB-2 NIW, a patent granted in Europe can strengthen your profile even without U.S. registration, because what matters is what it demonstrates: your capacity for innovation, originality, and the recognition your work has received.

A patent is objective evidence of a technical contribution. The country of registration matters less than the significance of the invention and its potential impact. When including it, the key is to provide context:

• The problem the invention solves and its degree of originality.
• Its relevance to your field and to strategic sectors.
• How it could benefit the U.S. economy or technological development.
• Any adoption, licensing, or practical impact it has had.

On its own, a patent rarely decides a case, but combined with other evidence it helps build a consistent profile. Each case is evaluated individually by USCIS. To position your patent in the best possible way, review the latest guidance and assess your strategy with a specialist.

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.