My former employer disappeared and I can’t prove my experience. Is there a way forward with EB-2 NIW?

Yes, there are options. In the EB-2 NIW, experience must be demonstrated consistently, but that does not depend on a single document or a specific employer. When a former employer is unreachable, the path forward is to rebuild the record through alternative evidence that, taken together, tells the same story.

The goal is to assemble a set of documents that shows, even indirectly, the experience accumulated and the progression of your work over time. The more the pieces cross-reference and confirm each other, the stronger the case becomes.

• Contracts, performance reviews, work orders, and proof of payment.
• Signed statements from colleagues, clients, or supervisors who witnessed your work.
• Recommendation letters and public records, such as publications, awards, or membership in professional associations.

You should also prepare a detailed narrative of your career trajectory, highlighting the progression of responsibilities, projects, and roles. Each case is evaluated individually by the relevant authority, so it is worth organizing the file with the support of a specialist and reviewing the updated guidance on the USCIS website before filing.

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.