We write business plans for US and Canadian immigration, and help entrepreneurs grow and raise capital.

Winning the NIW Battle: How Strategic Planning Turned an RFE Into a Visa Victory - A case study

Winning the NIW Battle: How Strategic Planning Turned an RFE Into a Visa Victory - A case study

In the intricate and demanding arena of U.S. immigration law, the National Interest Waiver (NIW) stands as a beacon for those exceptional individuals who seek to contribute significantly to the U.S. through their work. However, navigating the path to securing an NIW is no small feat, especially when faced with a Request for Evidence (RFE) that questions the very core of one's proposed endeavor's national importance. This is the story of how a meticulously crafted business plan not only met such a challenge head-on but also played a pivotal role in turning the tide in favor of our client, a seasoned expert in tax, customs, and international trade.

Our client's vision was both noble and ambitious: to provide Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), nonprofits, and educational institutions with the critical guidance necessary to manage their operations and expand their businesses sustainably. Despite the clear value of her proposed endeavor, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a challenging RFE that questioned the national importance of her work—a critical component of the NIW application process. The RFE specifically challenged the direct impact her efforts would have on a national scale, a hurdle that has proven insurmountable for many.

Understanding the gravity of the situation, our team set to work on a comprehensive business plan that would not only outline the economic benefits of our client's work but also its significance in bolstering the U.S. position in global trade, enhancing the competitiveness of SMEs, and fostering innovation and job creation in key sectors. Our approach was to illustrate the tangible, positive effects her expertise would have on her target groups and, by extension, on the broader national economy.

The business plan we developed was exhaustive and detailed. It included an in-depth analysis of the current landscape of international trade and the unique challenges faced by SMEs, nonprofits, and educational institutions. We provided compelling evidence of the demand for our client's expertise, highlighted her exceptional qualifications, and detailed the strategic partnerships and initiatives she planned to establish. The document was rich with data, case studies, and expert testimonials that underscored the significance of her proposed endeavor.

Crucially, the business plan served not only as a roadmap for our client's future work in the U.S. but also as a critical tool for the attorneys handling her case. It provided them with a solid foundation to build a robust response to the RFE, enabling them to argue convincingly for the national importance of our client's work. The detailed financial projections, strategic planning, and evidence of potential job creation were instrumental in demonstrating the tangible benefits her endeavor would bring to the U.S.

After an anxious wait, the news arrived: our client's NIW application was approved. The success was a testament to the power of thorough preparation, expert knowledge, and the ability to tell a compelling story through data and evidence. Our client was overjoyed, knowing that her vision of supporting the growth and sustainability of SMEs, nonprofits, and educational institutions in the U.S. could now be realized.

This experience underscored the critical importance of a well-crafted business plan in overcoming the challenges posed by the NIW application process. It was not just a document; it was a narrative that effectively communicated the national importance of our client's proposed endeavor. For our team, it was a proud moment of validation for our approach to handling complex immigration challenges, and a reminder of the impact that dedicated professionals can have on the lives of those they serve. This success story serves as a beacon for future NIW applicants, illustrating that even the most daunting challenges can be overcome with the right preparation and expertise.

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The information provided in this blog is intended solely for informational purposes. While we strive to offer accurate and up-to-date content, it should not be considered legal advice. Immigration laws and regulations are subject to change, and individual circumstances can vary widely. For personalized guidance and legal advice regarding your specific immigration situation, we strongly recommend consulting with a qualified immigration attorney who can provide you with tailored assistance and ensure compliance with current laws and regulations.


Visa Business Plans is led by Marco Scanu, a certified coach from the University of Miami with a globally-based practice coaching Fortune 1000 company executives, entrepreneurs, as well as professionals in four different continents. Mr. Scanu advises clients on turnaround strategies and crisis management.

Mr. Scanu received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (Cum Laude) from the University of Florida and an MBA in Management from Bocconi University in Milan, Italy. Mr. Scanu was also a Visiting Scholar at Michigan State University under the prestigious H. Humphrey Fellowship (Fulbright program) with a focus on Entrepreneurship, Venture Capital, and high-growth enterprises.

At present, Mr. Scanu is the managing partner and CEO at Visa Business Plans, a Miami-based boutique consulting firm providing attorneys and investors with business planning services in the areas of U.S. and Canadian immigration, SBA loans, and others.


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