EB-2 NIW Case Study: Social Worker From Colombia Approval

This case required a thoughtful presentation of the client’s extensive background and supporting materials. Her work touched multiple sectors, including social services, community programs, legal support, and trauma-informed care, which meant her evidence came from a broad range of environments. Organizing these materials into a cohesive narrative that clearly connected her achievements to her proposed endeavor became a central task. 

Our legal team organized the client’s extensive background in a way that clearly aligned with the EB-2 NIW requirements.  Attorney Kafrouni emphasized the importance of presenting our client’s documents that worked together cohesively. He explained that the business plan and letters of interest complemented one another because “both of them work together” to show how she would advance her endeavor. In addition to letters from colleagues familiar with her work, our team included an independent expert recommendation. He noted that “such letters carry slightly more evidentiary weight” because they offer validation from a neutral perspective. 

USCIS approved the client’s EB-2 NIW petition. Attorney Kafrouni reflected on the materials that were particularly important in securing the approval: “The business plan showed that the client had a concrete and solid plan in the United States, and the letters of interest showed that this plan was needed. Together they showed her capacity to advance her proposed endeavor.”  

He also emphasized the value of including an independent recommendation letter that evaluated our client’s accomplishments from an objective standpoint. He shared that this letter “discussed her achievements from someone who doesn’t know her personally or professionally, which gave it more evidentiary weight and supported her record of success.”  

• A strong record of trauma-focused social work and clinical practice demonstrating that the client was well positioned to advance her endeavor: Her educational and professional experience created a strong foundation. In addition, her roles in social work, education, psychology, community development, and trauma-informed client care demonstrated consistent growth, breadth of skill, and a proven record of impact. 

• Our client’s years of work with undocumented immigrants, survivors of trafficking, and at-risk families: Her experience with undocumented immigrants, survivors of domestic violence, trafficked individuals, low-income families, and youth illustrated a lifetime of service aligned with her proposed endeavor. The RFE response tied her background directly to her plans, reinforcing that she possessed the knowledge and training to implement them. 

• Strong testimonial support, including independent evaluation: Alongside letters from colleagues and supervisors, the petition included an independent recommendation letter that evaluated her work objectively. This letter described the measurable results she achieved, the systems she improved, and the impact she had on survivors.  

• A business plan that aligned with U.S. national priorities: The business plan provided a structured roadmap for her initiative along with evidence of personal funding and investor support.  

• Direct alignment with federal domestic violence prevention goals: Her endeavor aligns with federal initiatives that prioritize domestic violence prevention and trauma-informed care, including the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA). Her focus on non-physical forms of abuse met an emerging national need that these national initiatives recognize as critically important.