I live in a country with political instability. Does USCIS consider that in the EB-2 NIW?

In the EB-2 NIW, the political instability of the country where you live is not typically the factor that decides your petition. The analysis focuses on the merit of your profile: professional and academic qualifications, the relevance of your contributions, and evidence that your work holds national importance for the United States.

This means that the situation in your country of residence is not, in itself, either an obstacle or an argument in your favor in the EB-2 NIW. That said, since each case is evaluated individually by the competent authority, the applicant’s context may be taken into account in practical areas, for example:

• The authenticity and integrity of the documents submitted.
• The credibility and consistency of the information in the file.
• The ability to gather and legalize the required documentation.

If your goal is protection due to persecution or personal risk, that is a path distinct from the EB-2 NIW with its own rules. For your petition, focus on thoroughly documenting the merit of your work and verify the current requirements with USCIS, ideally with the support of 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.