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Most prospective EB2/NIW applicants begin their process with confidence—and rightfully so. They’ve spent years building impressive careers, collecting accolades, and establishing expertise in their fields. But while a strong background is essential for any green card petition under the EB2 category, it’s not enough to secure a National Interest Waiver.
And that’s where the biggest mistake happens.
The Mistake? Believing Your Credentials Are Enough
Many applicants (and even some attorneys) focus almost exclusively on the applicant’s past—degrees, job titles, research, patents, or publications—assuming that this history alone will justify a waiver of the labor certification requirement.
But USCIS doesn’t just look at what you’ve done. The agency wants to know what you’re going to do—and why that future work is in the national interest of the United States.
The Overlooked Requirement That Can Make or Break Your Case
The EB2/NIW petition is evaluated using three prongs. While the first two deal with the applicant’s qualifications and ability to advance a proposed endeavor, it’s the third prong where most applicants stumble:
“On balance, it would be beneficial to the United States to waive the requirements of a job offer and labor certification.”
Translation? You must prove that your proposed endeavor—not just your resume—is important to the U.S. at a local, state, or national level.
This is where we see the same costly mistake: submitting petitions that are heavy on achievements, but light on substance when it comes to articulating the actual endeavor and why it matters to the U.S.
What USCIS Is Really Looking For
Officers want to understand:
What exactly are you planning to do in the U.S.?
Who will benefit from your work?
How does your proposed endeavor address an unmet need, solve a national challenge, or support U.S. priorities?
Is your work scalable or impactful beyond your immediate job?
These questions can’t be answered with a CV. They require thoughtful planning and documentation.
What Smart Applicants Do Differently
The strongest NIW cases are not just about who the applicant is—they’re about what the applicant is proposing to do, why it matters, and how it will unfold.
That’s why successful applicants invest in either a personal endeavor plan, an NIW business plan, or an impact analysis report—depending on the nature of the petition and the type of endeavor being pursued. A personal endeavor plan outlines the applicant’s objectives, strategy, and projected outcomes in a narrative format. An NIW business plan, on the other hand, is used when the endeavor involves launching or expanding a business and requires detailed financials, operational frameworks, and market validation. In some cases, an impact analysis report is the most effective tool—particularly when the petition hinges on quantifying the broader economic, social, or regional effects of the proposed endeavor. We assess each case to determine which of these formats—or combination thereof—best highlights the endeavor’s merit and alignment with national interest standards.
It’s not just paperwork. It’s the narrative—and strategic documentation—that brings the petition together.
Ready to Show USCIS What Matters Most?
Your credentials might get attention—but your plan is what gets results.
Our team specializes in crafting custom personal endeavor plans, NIW business plans, and impact analysis reports that clearly define the applicant’s goals, strategy, and national interest impact. We translate your vision into a reader-friendly and evidence-backed roadmap that speaks USCIS’s language.
Contact us to learn how we can help you present a compelling case—not just about who you are, but why what you do matters to the U.S. at every level.
Contact us today to get started
The information provided in this blog is intended solely for informational purposes. While we strive to offer accurate and up-to-date content, it should not be considered legal advice. Immigration laws and regulations are subject to change, and individual circumstances can vary widely. For personalized guidance and legal advice regarding your specific immigration situation, we strongly recommend consulting with a qualified immigration attorney who can provide you with tailored assistance and ensure compliance with current laws and regulations.
Visa Business Plans is led by Marco Scanu, a certified coach from the University of Miami with a globally-based practice coaching Fortune 1000 company executives, entrepreneurs, as well as professionals in four different continents. Mr. Scanu advises clients on turnaround strategies and crisis management.
Mr. Scanu received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (Cum Laude) from the University of Florida and an MBA in Management from Bocconi University in Milan, Italy. Mr. Scanu was also a Visiting Scholar at Michigan State University under the prestigious H. Humphrey Fellowship (Fulbright program) with a focus on Entrepreneurship, Venture Capital, and high-growth enterprises.
At present, Mr. Scanu is the managing partner and CEO at Visa Business Plans, a Miami-based boutique consulting firm providing attorneys and investors with business planning services in the areas of U.S. and Canadian immigration, SBA loans, and others.
If you are looking for any of the following, we can help you!
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L Visa Business Plans
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Business Plan for Investor Visa
Business Plans for Immigration and Visa Purposes
Business Plan for Visa Application
Market Analysis
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NIW Business Plans
NIW Personal Endeavor Plan
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