I’m a co-founder of an NGO. Does that carry weight in the NIW?

Yes, being a co-founder of an NGO can carry weight in the EB-2 NIW, but what the adjudicating authority values is not the co-founder title itself — it is the impact of your work. The question your case needs to answer is: how does your contribution benefit, in a meaningful way, the national interest of the United States?

A background in the nonprofit sector tends to strengthen a petition when you can demonstrate results that go beyond the organization itself, reaching a community, a strategic sector, or a cause with broad scope.

Evidence that commonly supports this type of profile:

• Recognition, awards, and mentions of the NGO’s work.
• Publications, news coverage, and data that document the reach of your activities.
• Letters from experts or partners attesting to the relevance of the impact.

Keep in mind that your contribution is only one of the elements evaluated, and each case is assessed individually. It is worth organizing that evidence and verifying the updated requirements at the official source (USCIS), ideally with the support of a specialist.

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Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

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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.