Exploring options
Understand the legal framework and compare extraordinary-ability pathways.
Start with EB-1A Extraordinary Ability: Eligibility, Evidence, and the Two-Step ReviewVisa Library collection
EB-2 NIW Framework
Define the proposed endeavor, establish the underlying EB-2 classification, and examine each Dhanasar prong as a separate evidentiary question.
← Back to the full Visa LibraryOrganized by journey
Where these guides can help
Building evidence
Understand evidentiary criteria and organize supporting documentation.
Start with The Ten EB-1A Evidentiary Criteria ExplainedPreparing to file
Connect the evidence record to the applicable legal standard and filing structure.
Start with EB-1A Final Merits Determination: How USCIS Weighs the Full RecordReference collection
All published guides
Ordered as a learning collection—not as a chronological blog archive. Review dates are shown when available.
EB-2 NIW
Who Qualifies for the Underlying EB-2 Classification?
A decision-tree guide to advanced-degree professional and exceptional-ability eligibility before the national interest waiver analysis begins.
EB-2 NIW
The Matter of Dhanasar Three-Prong NIW Framework Explained
An integrated but prong-separated guide to underlying EB-2 eligibility, substantial merit, national importance, positioning, and the waiver balance.
EB-2 NIW
Defining the Proposed Endeavor With Specificity and Credible Scope
A practical endeavor-canvas method for defining activities, outputs, users, mechanisms, scope, milestones, and execution settings across all three Dhanasar prongs.
EB-2 NIW
Dhanasar Prong One: Establishing the Endeavor’s Substantial Merit
A merit-lens guide for explaining the scientific, technical, economic, health, educational, cultural, business, environmental, or other value of a proposed endeavor.
EB-2 NIW
Dhanasar Prong One: Demonstrating National Importance
An impact-chain framework for connecting a specific NIW endeavor to credible broader implications without substituting industry importance or national wording.
EB-2 NIW
Dhanasar Prong Two: Showing You Are Well Positioned to Advance the Endeavor
A capability-ledger and milestone framework connecting relevant expertise, execution record, current traction, resources, and risks to a specific proposed endeavor.
EB-2 NIW
Dhanasar Prong Three: Why Waiving the Job Offer May Benefit the United States
A two-sided balance-sheet method for analyzing why waiving the job-offer and labor-certification requirements may benefit the United States.
EB-2 NIW
EB-2 NIW Self-Petitioning, Job Offers, and the Labor Certification Waiver
A procedural and evidentiary guide distinguishing self-petitioning, underlying EB-2 eligibility, waiver of the job-offer requirement, labor certification, and later immigration steps.