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A National Interest Waiver is not granted because someone has a strong resume, a good idea, or a desirable skill set. From the beginning, NIW petitions have required more than credentials or ambition. What matters is the proposed endeavor—what the applicant plans to do, how it benefits the United States, and why it should matter to immigration authorities.
In recent months, non-STEM NIWs have come under increased scrutiny. But the core truth remains unchanged: a title is not an endeavor, and a concept is not a strategy.
A Common Mistake: Confusing Potential with Plan
Many petitions fall short because they lean too heavily on the applicant’s education or background, without clearly defining the actual work they intend to do in the U.S. Saying that someone is an experienced professional, consultant, artist, or educator is not enough. What are they going to do? How is it going to be executed? Where is the impact?
USCIS officers are not looking for generalities. They are looking for:
A clearly defined endeavor
A realistic execution plan
A measurable benefit to the country
Metrics Matter—But Only if They Are Real
Another frequent pitfall is including projections that sound impressive but have no foundation. Saying the applicant expects to grow revenue by 300 percent or create dozens of jobs may sound good on paper—but without a credible basis, those claims raise more doubts than confidence.
Where did those numbers come from?
What assumptions are they based on?
What industry benchmarks were used?
USCIS officers are trained to spot unsupported statements. Projections must be grounded in data. They must reflect the realities of the industry, market conditions, geographic location, and operational capacity. Anything less will damage the credibility of the petition.
Real Strategy, Real Impact
Non-STEM applicants face an added challenge because their fields may not be automatically associated with high-tech innovation or scientific advancement. That is why the endeavor must be even more clearly tied to national priorities and specific U.S. needs.
To succeed, non-STEM NIW petitions must:
Show how the endeavor addresses a real problem in the U.S.
Clearly explain how the applicant is well positioned to solve that problem
Provide credible, data-driven evidence of impact
Include a plan that feels both ambitious and achievable
Whether the applicant works in business, education, the arts, policy, or training, the petition must answer:
Why this person? Why this project? And why now?
Our Role
At Visa Business Plans, we specialize in helping attorneys and applicants transform vague concepts into solid, structured business plans. We produce credible and custom-made projects that speak USCIS’s language and reflect the seriousness and viability required for approval.
Our work is not based on guesswork or fluff. It is based on research, industry benchmarks, real-life financial modeling, and 35 years of experience in business and immigration strategy.
Do you need to strengthen a non-STEM NIW petition? We can help you show the value, structure, and data behind the proposed endeavor. Contact us today.
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.
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