What are the main factors USCIS considers when reviewing an Academic Evaluation case?

In the Academic Evaluation of an EB-2 NIW petition, USCIS assesses your academic background in a qualitative manner, looking at the strength and coherence of the overall profile. Certain factors tend to receive particular attention.

• The credibility and recognition of the institution where you earned your degree.
• The relevance of your degree and advanced coursework to your field of expertise.
• The impact of your publications and research, including the reach and influence of the knowledge you have produced.
• Expert letters and evaluations, which provide an external and impartial perspective on your contributions.

Awards, distinctions, and participation in conferences help round out this profile, but what anchors the analysis is the consistency across all documents. Transparency and coherence carry more weight than any shortcut.

Since the criteria may evolve and each case is assessed individually, it is worth consulting the latest official guidance (USCIS) and, if possible, reviewing your file with a 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.