I worked in a country under U.S. embargo. Does that create problems?

Not automatically. Having worked in a country under a U.S. embargo does not, by itself, disqualify an EB-2 NIW petition. What typically matters in the analysis is the nature of the work performed and whether it had any connection to activities that could have violated U.S. sanctions or export regulations, not the mere fact that the country was under embargo.

The evaluation is done on a case-by-case basis, looking at the concrete details of your background. Work that was carried out in compliance with the applicable rules at the time tends to mitigate concerns, but clear documentation of the circumstances is always important.

• Describe accurately the nature and purpose of the work performed.
• Show, where possible, that your activities complied with the rules in effect at the time.
• Gather documents that support your account of the facts.

Because this is a sensitive topic, the most prudent course is to seek specialized guidance and verify information through official sources before filing, so that everything is reviewed in light of the current rules and without unnecessary risk.

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.