Which research areas are valued in the EB-2 NIW?

In the EB-2 NIW there is no official list of preferred research areas. What the authority assesses is whether your work generates concrete benefits of national importance for the United States, regardless of the field.

That said, research is usually well received when it connects to sectors of strong national relevance, such as:

• Health, biotechnology, and life sciences.
• Technology, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.
• Energy, environment, and sustainability.
• Engineering, infrastructure, and economic and social studies.

More important than the field is your ability to demonstrate the impact of the research and to show how it serves the national interest. Because each case is assessed individually, it is worth checking the updated criteria at the official source (USCIS) and reviewing your argument 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.