My research has no immediate application. Can I still qualify?

Yes, it is possible. The EB-2 NIW does not require your research to have an immediate practical application. The logic behind this pathway is to recognize the potential impact of your work, and that potential may materialize in the medium or long term.

The central point is to demonstrate that your work has national interest relevance: the capacity to generate substantial benefits for society, the economy, public health, or the advancement of knowledge. Theoretical advances, new models, and discoveries that pave the way for future applications fit perfectly within this framework.

To build a strong case, focus on the originality, depth, and transformative potential of your research. It helps to document publications, citations, international collaborations, and the presence of your topic at conferences and in academic discourse, showing that its relevance is recognized by others in the field.

Since each case is evaluated individually, it is worth reviewing updated requirements at the official source (USCIS) and seeking specialized guidance to articulate the future impact of your work 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.