What is ‘obsolete criteria’ in some NIW guides?

The EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) visa is a category that allows immigration to the United States based on advanced qualifications and on demonstrating that your work is important to the country’s national interest. As immigration policies evolve, the guidelines and criteria used in the evaluation of applications also change.

In this context, the term ‘obsolete criteria’ that you may find in some NIW guides refers to parameters or standards that were adopted in earlier versions of informational materials but are no longer applicable or recommended by current USCIS guidelines. In other words, some documents or guides may mention criteria that, although they served as a reference in past times, no longer reflect how immigration officers assess cases today.

This happens because immigration laws and policies are dynamic and frequently revised to adapt to new contexts and challenges. Therefore, relying on criteria that are outdated can lead to a misinterpretation of the requirements for the EB-2 NIW visa and, consequently, challenges in preparing your case.

Given this scenario, it is essential that anyone interested in moving forward with the immigration process always consults official sources or specialized professionals who monitor updates to immigration guidelines. This way, you avoid relying on information that is no longer valid and minimize the risk of falling for promises of easy or guaranteed results, common in marketing campaigns that do not comply with current legislation.

Remember that strictly following immigration laws and seeking updated guidance is essential for conducting a safe and successful immigration process.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.