Is there a risk that USCIS will deny my case for finding my impact too local?

Yes, that risk exists, but it can be addressed. The EB-2 NIW is built on the premise that your work benefits the United States on a broader scale, not just a specific community or region. If the evidence suggests an impact limited to the local level, USCIS may indeed question whether the required national relevance is present.

The good news is that this is usually a matter of how you present your case, not necessarily a dealbreaker. The goal is to show that your work has implications that extend beyond your immediate surroundings and connect with the country’s interests as a whole.

• Highlight recognition and use of your work outside your local circle.
• Show how your contributions can apply at a larger scale.
• Connect your work to strategic sectors and national priorities.

In other words, an impact that starts locally can be framed within a national reach when properly documented. Since each case is evaluated individually, it is worth consulting with a specialist on how to demonstrate that breadth in a compelling way.

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.