One of the most persistent misconceptions about the EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) is that it’s only suitable for individuals working in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM).

This is not true.

While STEM-based endeavors are indeed common in NIW petitions, USCIS does not limit eligibility to any specific field. What matters is that your proposed endeavor:

1. Has substantial merit (economic, social, cultural, educational, health-related, etc.)
   
   

2. Is of national importance (beyond your local community or employer)
   
   

3. And that you are well positioned to carry it out
   
   

This opens the door to a broad spectrum of professional and mission-driven activities, not just high-tech innovation.

What is an “endeavor” in the EB-2 NIW context?

Your endeavor is the proposed activity you plan to pursue in the U.S. It’s the core of your petition, the reason you’re asking the U.S. government to waive the job offer and labor certification requirement.

It can be:

✔ Entrepreneurial

✔ Academic

✔ Research-based

✔ Commercial

✔ Non-profit

✔ Creative or cultural

✔ Policy-oriented

✔ Educational

✔ Technical or strategic

✔ A combination of several of these

What matters most is how you present it: USCIS wants to understand what you will do, how it adds value, and why it matters to the country.

🌍 Examples of Acceptable Endeavor Types

These are some of the most common (and successful) categories, but not an exhaustive list:

STEM & Innovation

• AI, biotechnology, robotics, nanotech
  
  

• Data science applied to climate change, health, or public policy
  
  

• Development of scalable tech platforms, research with commercial or societal impact
  
  

Entrepreneurship & Business Innovation

• Launching consulting firms in areas such as logistics, compliance, or sustainability
  
  

• Startups targeting underserved industries or communities
  
  

• Initiatives supporting supply chain resilience or small business growth
  
  

Public Health & Healthcare

• Access to care in underserved regions
  
  

• Mental health initiatives with broad outreach
  
  

• Medical device innovation or policy work in health equity
  
  

Education & Workforce Development

• Programs addressing STEM gaps, bilingual education, teacher training
  
  

• Adult workforce reskilling and training in high-demand industries
  
  

• Curriculum design with measurable impact in low-performing districts
  
  

Cybersecurity & IT Infrastructure

• Protection of public-sector digital infrastructure
  
  

• Privacy-focused tools aligned with U.S. regulatory goals
  
  

• Strategic consulting for digital resilience in small and mid-sized enterprises
  
  

Environment & Sustainability

• Projects in clean energy, sustainable agriculture, or water management
  
  

• Climate risk assessment tools or ESG strategy development
  
  

• Consulting on environmental compliance for public infrastructure projects
  
  

Culture, Media & the Arts

• Cultural preservation, civic engagement, or education through art
  
  

• Film, journalism, or media projects with educational/social objectives
  
  

• Creative platforms that promote inclusion, diversity, or historical memory
  
  

Legal, Policy & Governance

• Research in immigration, labor, or constitutional law with national impact
  
  

• Public policy think tanks, NGO consulting, or civic tech development
  
  

• Work that improves government transparency, efficiency, or access to justice

Key Considerations

Even if your endeavor fits one of these categories, success depends not on the topic, but on how you build the case.

USCIS is looking for:

🔎 Specificity: Avoid vague or overly broad proposals

📊 Evidence: Use data, letters of interest, and supporting documents

🧩 Connection: Show how your past positions you to deliver impact

📍 National impact: Go beyond local projects and emphasize U.S.-wide value

You don’t need to be a researcher at a university or a tech founder backed by venture capital. What you do need is a clearly defined and well-substantiated plan, and the ability to show that the U.S. would benefit by facilitating your work.