Is there a mandatory interview for the EB-2 NIW?

For the EB-2 NIW, there is no fixed rule requiring every petition to go through an interview. Whether or not an interview takes place depends on the stage of the process and the path chosen to obtain permanent residence, and this can vary from case to case. The merit petition itself is evaluated primarily on the documentation and evidence submitted, not on an in-person conversation.

When an interview does occur, it is typically associated with the final stage of obtaining permanent residence, not with the initial review of your work’s merit. As a result, some applicants go through this step and others do not, depending on how the case is processed and individual circumstances. The best approach is not to treat the interview as certain or as ruled out, but rather to build a strong case prepared for both scenarios.

• There is no guaranteed interview for every EB-2 NIW petition.
• The merit review relies primarily on documentation.
• When an interview occurs, it is usually at the final stage of the residence process.

Since these details change and depend on your specific case, it is worth confirming the current procedure from the official source and with a specialist, who can guide you on what to expect and how to prepare for each stage.

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.