I worked for international NGOs: does that help?

Yes, experience with international NGOs can help with an EB-2 NIW petition, as long as that work connects to topics of national interest in the United States. The key is not the type of organization itself, but the impact of what you did there.

Work with social, economic, scientific, or cultural reach tends to strengthen a case, especially when it aligns with strategic areas. Some examples of experience that can reinforce the argument:

• Contributions to public policy or broad-impact programs.
• Projects in health, education, or social development.
• Innovation initiatives with reach beyond the local level.

For that experience to truly carry weight, it needs to be well documented. Recommendation letters, evidence of results achieved, and any recognitions help demonstrate the relevance of your contribution.

Since each case is unique and evaluated individually, valuable experience often needs to be presented effectively to align with what the process expects. It is worth verifying the current requirements with USCIS and organizing your materials 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.