What Is a Proposed Endeavor Statement for EB-2 NIW? (And Why USCIS Keeps Asking for It)

Key Takeaways

• USCIS has increasingly issued RFEs in EB-2 NIW cases requesting a 'detailed description of the proposed endeavor' — even when the petitioner meets the educational and ability thresholds.

• The proposed endeavor statement describes the work the petitioner will pursue in the U.S. and why it qualifies under the Dhanasar three-prong framework.

• A business plan is often the most effective vehicle for the proposed endeavor — but a business plan and proposed endeavor statement are not identical documents.

• The proposed endeavor must demonstrate substantial merit, national importance, and the petitioner's specific readiness to advance it.

• AILA practice advisories emphasize that bare assertions of national importance, without supporting evidence, are increasingly insufficient in NIW adjudications.

• GuidedVenture builds EB-2 NIW business plans that directly address the proposed endeavor requirements, in coordination with immigration attorneys.

If you are preparing an EB-2 NIW petition — or working with an immigration attorney to do so — you may have already encountered a Request for Evidence asking for a 'detailed description of the proposed endeavor.'

This RFE language has become increasingly common as USCIS applies the Matter of Dhanasar framework more rigorously. For attorneys and petitioners looking for further case management support, ImmiBlocks offers a platform to assist attorneys and their clients in organizing immigration petition materials.

The Shift in EB-2 NIW Petitions: From Eligibility to Endeavor

Prior to the 2016 Matter of Dhanasar decision, EB-2 NIW petitions were evaluated primarily through the petitioner's qualifications. Dhanasar changed the analysis — establishing a three-prong test centered on what the petitioner plans to do.

According to USCIS EB-2 NIW policy guidance, the proposed endeavor is now evaluated with equal weight to the petitioner's credentials.

How Does a Proposed Endeavor Statement Differ from a Business Plan?

A business plan describes how a business will operate — market, competitive positioning, organizational structure, and financial trajectory. It is primarily a commercial document.

A proposed endeavor statement, which is included in an Immigration Business Plan from Guidedventure describes what work the petitioner will pursue and why it meets the Dhanasar three-prong test. It is primarily an immigration law document. It should be structured around the Dhanasar prongs.

• Prong 1 — Substantial merit and national importance: What is the specific work, and why does it matter at a scale that rises to national importance?

• Prong 2 — Well-positioned to advance the endeavor: What specific skills, knowledge, resources, and track record does this particular petitioner bring? This must be demonstrated, not assumed.

• Prong 3 — National interest in waiving the job offer: Why is the national interest better served by allowing this petitioner to pursue their work without employer sponsorship constraints?

  
  

What the Proposed Endeavor Statement Should Include

A Specific Description of the Work

Vague language — 'I will continue my research in renewable energy' — is insufficient. The statement must describe the specific work with enough precision that an adjudicator unfamiliar with the field can understand what the petitioner will  be doing.

Evidence of National Importance

USCIS has made clear that 'substantial merit' and 'national importance' are related but distinct. The AILA (American Immigration Lawyers Association) has published practice advisories emphasizing that bare assertions of national importance, without supporting evidence and data, are increasingly insufficient in NIW adjudications. Industry data, academic citations, and expert letters all contribute to this showing.

The Petitioner's Specific Readiness

Prong 2 requires showing that this petitioner — not just anyone in their field — is well-positioned. Prior publications, patents, client relationships, proprietary technology, or partnerships all contribute to this showing.

After EB-2 NIW Approval: Launching Your U.S. Business

The value of a well-built business plan compounds over time. The customer segments you define become the audience your website targets. The competitive positioning you articulate becomes the basis for your SEO keywords. The staffing trajectory you project determines whether you need a simple payroll platform or a PEO. Founders who align these decisions early avoid the rework that comes from building infrastructure that cannot scale — and that is exactly the kind of long-term thinking GuidedVenture brings to every engagement.

Once the petition is approved, GuidedVenture provides a complimentary launch consultation to guide your first operational steps. Learn more about LaunchBox.

The best-prepared EB-2 NIW petitions treat the proposed endeavor not as a checkbox but as the organizing principle of the entire filing. When the business plan, the expert opinion letters, and the attorney brief all tell the same story about the same proposed work — and that story maps cleanly to the Dhanasar three prongs — the petition is significantly stronger than one where the documents describe the petitioner's credentials but leave the endeavor itself underarticulated.

Note: The approaches described in this article reflect common practices in immigration business plan development. Every petition is different, and GuidedVenture always follows the specific guidance of the petitioner's immigration attorney. Nothing in this article should be construed as legal advice.

Need an EB-2 NIW business plan that addresses the proposed endeavor?

GuidedVenture builds EB-2 NIW business plans that directly address the Dhanasar three-prong framework. Contact us for a quote or learn more.