What criteria do evaluators use in an Academic Evaluation?

In the context of EB-2 NIW, the Academic Evaluation serves to place your educational background and academic trajectory within the U.S. system. It is not a standalone requirement and does not determine the outcome on its own, but it helps bring clarity to your profile.

In general, the evaluation typically considers elements such as:

• Your academic history and degree levels, including their equivalency in the American system.
• Your scholarly output, taking into account the quality, impact, and relevance of the publication venues.
• Awards, patents, and other recognitions that signal distinction in your field.
• Participation in projects, conferences, and expert letters attesting to the merit of your work.

The goal is to build a coherent picture of how your trajectory connects to the advancement of your field and to the national interest, always in a qualitative and individualized way.

Since each evaluation is thorough and every case is unique, it is worth confirming updated guidance with USCIS and relying on reputable professionals.

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Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

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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.