I retired, but I continue working as a consultant. Does that interfere?

The EB-2 NIW is a visa that recognizes individuals with high qualifications and exceptional abilities or who have made significant contributions to areas considered of national interest in the United States. One of the characteristics of this visa is that there is no requirement for a formal employment relationship, but rather that the applicant demonstrates the impact and importance of their contributions in their field of activity.

In the scenario you described – having retired but continuing to work as a consultant – retirement by itself does not represent an obstacle to the application. What really matters is to present evidence that, even in a consulting role, your contributions remain relevant, innovative, and beneficial to the area of national interest.

If the consulting work continues to generate impact and contribute to advances in your field, it can even strengthen the argument that your experience and expertise benefit the United States community. It is essential to detail, in the process documentation, the projects and results achieved while consulting, demonstrating the continuity and relevance of your activities even after retirement.

The consistency of your history and the importance of the projects can be interpreted as a positive differential, showing that administrative retirement has not diminished your professional contributions. Always remember that it is essential to strictly follow United States immigration laws and regulations, avoiding falling into promises of easy results or dubious marketing actions.

Consulting reliable sources or specialized companies in the field can help clarify doubts and gather the necessary documentation properly and safely, without compromising the truthfulness and integrity of the information presented. Each case has its particularities, and the foundation of your process must be carefully built to align your professional activities with the criteria required by the EB-2 NIW.

Therefore, keep a detailed record of your consulting activities and seek to stay informed about updated requirements, ensuring that all evidence presented corresponds to what the law demands.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.