I volunteered at an American hospital years ago. Can I resume this link in the NIW?

Volunteering experience can indeed be part of your EB-2 NIW petition, provided you can demonstrate how this activity contributed to your field of expertise and, more broadly, brought benefits to the United States.

The EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) visa requires the applicant to show that they possess exceptional ability or advanced qualifications and that their work has national relevance, meaning it generates a significant benefit for the country. In your case, if the voluntary work at an American hospital was relevant to developing or enhancing specific skills in your field, or if it evidenced a commitment that extends to national interest – such as in the healthcare or medical research sector – this experience can strengthen your case.

It is essential that you gather documents that prove this participation, such as recommendation letters, certificates, or statements from the place where you worked, detailing your contributions and the impact of your work.

Keep in mind that each case is reviewed individually and the relevance of the volunteer experience depends on how it integrates with the rest of your professional and academic background. Therefore, it is important to clearly demonstrate the relationship between this activity and your specialization, showing that it contributes to the objectives that justify the national interest in granting the visa.

It is crucial to comply with U.S. immigration laws and regulations throughout the process and, whenever possible, seek information from official sources or experts in the area. Be wary of promises of guaranteed outcomes made by marketing campaigns, as the success of your petition depends on a detailed analysis of your profile and the strength of your documents.

I hope this explanation has helped you understand how volunteering experience can be considered in the context of an EB-2 NIW petition. Every case is unique, and the way this experience fits the requirements will depend on how you demonstrate its relevance and impact in your chosen field.

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.