My experience is entirely online and I have never worked in person. Does that affect anything?

Not necessarily. In the EB-2 NIW, what sits at the center of the analysis is the relevance and impact of your work, not the physical location where it was performed. An entirely online career path does not, by itself, put you at a disadvantage.

The visa focuses on demonstrating significant contributions and how they serve the national interest of the United States. If your work has demonstrable relevance, the remote format does not diminish the strength of your case. Many fields have already established remote work as a standard mode of practice.

The key point, then, is the strength of your documentation. It is worth gathering evidence that attests to the quality and reach of what you do:

• Publications, projects, and collaborations that demonstrate impact.
• Certificates and records of your professional activity.
• Recommendation letters from recognized experts in your field.

Present everything clearly and consistently, so that the online nature of your work is a detail of format rather than a question about substance. If you are unsure how to structure this, review the latest guidance from USCIS or consult an immigration specialist.

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.