My background is in veterinary medicine, with research in zoonoses. Does that qualify as national interest?

It very well could. The EB-2 NIW does not focus on the degree itself, but rather on the potential of your work to bring broad benefits to the United States. A background in veterinary medicine combined with research in zoonotic diseases aligns naturally with that standard, especially when the work touches on public health, food safety, or the control of diseases that affect both people and animals.

The key factor is not the field in the abstract, but what your research is capable of producing. The concept of national interest requires an impact that goes beyond individual benefit and reaches the broader community.

• Prevention of outbreaks and response to emerging diseases.
• Solutions that improve sanitary management or food safety.
• Results applicable at scale, with recognition in your field.

Each case is evaluated individually, based on the evidence you assemble. It is therefore worth confirming the current requirements with USCIS and considering the support of an immigration professional to structure your petition effectively.

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.