Last Reviewed: August 2026

Short Answer

A strong proposed endeavor is one that clearly explains what you plan to do in the United States, why that work is important, and how your background positions you to accomplish it. It should focus on your future contributions rather than simply describing your current job or employer. Under Matter of Dhanasar, the proposed endeavor is the foundation of every successful NIW petition because USCIS uses it to evaluate whether your work has substantial merit and national importance.

Key Takeaways

• Your proposed endeavor is the most important part of an NIW petition.
• It should describe your future work—not simply your current job duties.
• A strong endeavor focuses on broader benefits to the United States rather than a single employer.
• The endeavor should align with your education, experience, and accomplishments.
• The strongest proposed endeavors satisfy all three Dhanasar prongs, not just the first.

What Is a Proposed Endeavor?

A proposed endeavor is a detailed description of the work you intend to pursue after obtaining permanent residence.

USCIS specifically explains that an endeavor is more specific than your occupation. For example, “software engineer” is an occupation. A proposed endeavor explains what kind of software you intend to develop, what problem it addresses, and why that work matters.

Likewise, “physician,” “financial analyst,” or “mechanical engineer” are occupations—not proposed endeavors.

Your proposed endeavor should explain:

• What you plan to do.
• Why it matters.
• Who will benefit.
• Why your work has broader implications for the United States.

The Best Proposed Endeavors Solve Important Problems

The strongest NIW petitions focus on solving meaningful national challenges.

Examples include:

• Improving healthcare outcomes
• Strengthening cybersecurity
• Advancing artificial intelligence
• Modernizing manufacturing
• Increasing semiconductor production
• Improving energy efficiency
• Advancing biotechnology
• Enhancing financial systems
• Developing safer transportation systems
• Strengthening supply chain resilience
• Improving educational outcomes
• Advancing scientific research

The focus should always be on the problem you intend to solve, rather than simply describing your daily responsibilities.

Your Proposed Endeavor Should Not Be Employer-Dependent

One of the biggest mistakes we see is applicants drafting proposed endeavors that are tied almost entirely to their current employer.

For example:

Weak:

Continue working as a software engineer for ABC Corporation developing software for company clients.

This describes employment—not a nationally important endeavor.

A stronger version would explain the broader impact:

Stronger:

Develop secure artificial intelligence systems to enhance cybersecurity resilience for critical infrastructure organizations across the United States.

Notice the difference.

The second example focuses on the applicant’s long-term professional contributions rather than a single employer.

This distinction is consistent with USCIS guidance, which explains that benefits to a single employer generally are not enough to establish national importance.

A Strong Proposed Endeavor Is Future-Focused

USCIS is evaluating what you intend to accomplish, not simply what you have already achieved.

Your prior accomplishments remain extremely important because they help demonstrate that you are well-positioned to advance the endeavor.

However, your proposed endeavor should describe your future plans.

Think of your accomplishments as answering:

“Why should USCIS believe you can do this?”

Your proposed endeavor answers:

“What exactly are you going to do?”

A Strong Endeavor Aligns With Your Background

Your proposed endeavor should naturally grow out of your education, professional experience, and prior accomplishments.

For example:

An AI engineer should generally pursue an AI-related endeavor.

A physician should generally propose healthcare-related work.

A civil engineer should generally propose infrastructure-related work.

USCIS specifically states that your education, skills, knowledge, and record of success should support your ability to carry out the proposed endeavor.

National Importance Is About Impact—Not Geography

Many applicants mistakenly believe they must work throughout the entire United States.

That is not what USCIS requires.

Instead, USCIS evaluates whether your endeavor has broader implications for:

• An industry
• A field of study
• Public health
• National security
• Economic competitiveness
• Scientific advancement
• Technological innovation

Even work performed within a single company may qualify if the broader impact extends beyond that employer.

Should You Mention Your Employer?

Usually, your employer should play only a supporting role.

If your endeavor depends entirely on a single employer, USCIS may conclude that the petition primarily benefits the employer rather than the United States.

Instead, your employer should simply serve as one platform through which you intend to advance your broader professional goals.

Should You Mention National Priorities?

Yes—when appropriate.

USCIS recognizes that certain STEM endeavors involving critical and emerging technologies may strongly support national competitiveness and national security.

Examples include:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Quantum Computing
• Biotechnology
• Semiconductors
• Cybersecurity
• Advanced Manufacturing
• Robotics
• Clean Energy
• Space Technologies

If your work genuinely advances one of these nationally significant areas, explaining that connection can strengthen your petition.

However, simply using popular buzzwords is not enough. Your background and evidence must support the proposed endeavor.

Common Mistakes

Simply Copying Your Job Description

One of the biggest mistakes is submitting an endeavor that merely repeats your daily job duties.

USCIS wants to understand your broader professional objective—not your employment contract.

Making the Endeavor Too Broad

Statements such as:

Improve technology.

or

Advance healthcare.

They are too vague.

Instead, clearly explain the specific problem you intend to address.

Making the Endeavor Too Narrow

On the other hand, an endeavor should not be limited to a single employer project that ends after one contract.

The best endeavors allow room for long-term professional growth while remaining focused.

Focusing Only on Your Employer

USCIS has repeatedly explained that benefits to a single employer generally do not establish national importance.

Instead, explain how your work benefits an industry, the public, or the United States more broadly.

How Francis Law Develops Proposed Endeavors

At Francis Law, we believe the proposed endeavor is the cornerstone of every successful NIW petition.

Rather than simply describing a client’s current position, we work closely with each applicant to develop a future-focused endeavor that reflects both their professional goals and the legal framework established in Matter of Dhanasar.

Our objective is to craft an endeavor that:

• Aligns with the client’s background and expertise.
• Demonstrates substantial merit.
• Clearly establishes national importance.
• Positions the client to satisfy all three Dhanasar prongs.
• Remains flexible enough to accommodate future career growth without being tied to a single employer.

In our experience, investing significant time in developing the right proposed endeavor often strengthens every other part of the petition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my proposed endeavor have to match my current job?

Not exactly. It should generally align with your education, skills, and experience, but it focuses on your future work rather than your current position.

Can I change employers after filing?

Often, yes. Because the NIW is based on your proposed endeavor rather than a specific employer, changing employers is generally possible so long as your future work remains consistent with the endeavor described in your petition.

Can my proposed endeavor include starting a company?

Yes. Many entrepreneurs successfully pursue NIWs by proposing ventures that address nationally important problems. However, USCIS requires evidence demonstrating why the specific business—not entrepreneurship in general—serves the national interest.

How long should a proposed endeavor be?

There is no required length. The best proposed endeavors are detailed enough to explain your future plans, national importance, and expected impact without becoming unnecessarily technical.

Speak With an EB-2 NIW Immigration Attorney

A well-written proposed endeavor can determine the success of an NIW petition. It is far more than a career summary—it is the legal foundation upon which USCIS evaluates national importance and your ability to advance your work.

If you are considering an EB-2 National Interest Waiver, Francis Law can help you develop a compelling proposed endeavor that accurately reflects your expertise and satisfies the Dhanasar framework.

Schedule a consultation today to discuss your NIW strategy.

Legal Authorities

This article is based on the following primary legal authorities:

• Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) § 203(b)(2)
• 8 C.F.R. § 204.5(k)
• Matter of Dhanasar, 26 I&N Dec. 884 (AAO 2016)
• USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 6, Part F, Chapter 5
• USCIS Policy Alert PA-2025-03
• National Science and Technology Council, Critical and Emerging Technologies List Update (February 2024)

Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship. Immigration laws and USCIS policies may change, and eligibility depends on the specific facts of each case.

Related EB-2 NIW Questions

• Who qualifies for an EB-2 NIW?
• What professions qualify for an EB-2 NIW?
• What does national importance mean?
• How do you prove national importance?
• Does my endeavor need nationwide impact?
• Can I apply without an employer?

For a full overview of eligibility, evidence, and the filing process, see our EB-2 National Interest Waiver page, or browse all EB-2 NIW frequently asked questions.