I have Canadian citizenship. Does that make any difference in the process?

Generally speaking, no. The EB-2 NIW is a pathway based on the merit and national importance of your work, and that evaluation does not depend on your citizenship. Having Canadian citizenship does not change the requirements or the standard of review applied to your case.

The criteria you need to demonstrate (your qualifications, achievements, and how your work benefits the United States) are the same for every applicant. What matters is your professional trajectory and the relevance of the projects or research you intend to pursue, not the country on your passport.

What may change is the logistics of the process, depending on where you live:

• Those who are in the United States in valid status may consider adjustment of status.
• Those outside the country typically go through consular processing, with an interview at a post.

These differences relate to the path and location, not to the core requirements of the EB-2 NIW. Since each case is reviewed individually, check the official guidance from USCIS and consider working with a specialist to determine the best route for your situation.

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.