My research in the nuclear field is confidential. What now?

Having confidential research in the nuclear field does not prevent an EB-2 NIW petition. The goal is to demonstrate the relevance and impact of your work, and that can almost always be done without exposing sensitive data, trade secrets, or protected information.

In practice, it is usually possible to present a high-level summary: the problem your research addresses, its importance to the field and to U.S. interests, and your role in the outcomes, all described in terms general enough not to violate confidentiality agreements.

To balance confidentiality and documentation, it helps to:

• Gather public evidence of your impact, such as open publications, awards, and expert letters.
• Describe the nature and relevance of your work without protected technical details.
• Confirm what can be disclosed with whoever holds the information (employer, agency, contract).

Because the information in the petition must be truthful and accurate, and the subject matter is sensitive, it is worth checking updated guidance with USCIS and considering support from a specialist in immigration and, if needed, in intellectual property 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.