EB-2 NIW Green Card Case Study: Approval for Cybersecurity Specialist from Colombia Colombia Cybersecurity Specialist Colombo & Hurd secured an EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) green card for a cybersecurity specialist from Colombia whose work protects small and medium-sized businesses from cyber threats. He is now a permanent resident of the United States, after an EB-2 NIW approval without a Request for Evidence (RFE), followed by consular processing. Smaller companies rely on digital systems to manage customer data, payment information, and daily operations, often without dedicated security teams to protect them. Phishing, ransomware, and malware attacks do not spare them, and they have far less protection in place than large corporations. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reported nearly $21 billion in losses from internet crime in 2025 alone. Our client has spent his career securing the systems of large multinational companies and his proposed endeavor is to bring that same protection to companies that cannot afford a security team. Partner Salvatore Picataggio led the EB-2 NIW petition, and Senior Attorney Michelle Villagran guided the client through consular processing. Evaluate My Profile Client ProfileFrom Accounting and Internal Controls to SAP SecurityEB-2 NIW VisaOur client holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in information technology. His career began in process and internal controls roles at multinational companies in several industries, where he learned how business systems, financial reporting, and audit requirements fit together. Over more than 10 years, he turned that foundation into a specialty in IT security. His expertise centers on SAP (Systems, Applications, and Products in Data Processing) security. SAP is the enterprise software many large companies use to run finance, operations, and human resources, and securing it means controlling who can access which systems and data. He has managed user access for large organizations, handled security incidents, supported audits, and led security projects across operations in several Latin American countries. His employers recognized his work through performance award programs, and he holds a professional certification in SAP financial accounting. In the United States, he aims to help smaller businesses strengthen their cybersecurity with practical, affordable solutions. His proposed services include managing access to sensitive systems, protecting company data, monitoring security threats, and responding to incidents. He also intends to train employees to recognize and respond to cyber threats. The Challenge Showing National Impact for a Practice That Serves One Business at a Time Although cybersecurity is a recognized national priority in the United States, that priority alone does not decide a petition. USCIS evaluates a petitioner’s specific proposed endeavor, and the legal team and the client needed to show that the client’s plan, drawn from years of securing large corporate systems, translates into real controls small businesses can adopt. The record also had to show why the United States benefits from waiving the job offer requirement for work that serves many companies instead of one. Strategic Approach Adapting Corporate Cybersecurity Expertise for Smaller Businesses The legal team built on the client’s corporate experience to demonstrate how his expertise could address the cybersecurity needs of smaller businesses. The petition outlined how he would adapt security practices used by large organizations for companies with limited budgets and no dedicated security staff. Letters of recommendation confirmed his results with those controls, and letters of interest from three U.S. companies confirmed that there is a demand for his services and that businesses are ready to adopt them. The petition also explained why the client’s independent practice would allow him to support multiple businesses at once, which he would not be able to do by working for a single employer. And because he will be self-employed, his work adds security capacity to the U.S. economy without displacing U.S. workers. See If You QualifyGet Your Free EB-2 NIW Visa Profile Evaluation Evaluate My Profile The Result EB-2 NIW Approval Without an RFE, Followed by a Green Card Through Consular Processing USCIS approved the EB-2 NIW petition without an RFE. Senior Attorney Michelle Villagran then handled the consular processing stage through the U.S. Embassy in his home country, which granted the client an immigrant visa stamped on his passport and, immediately upon entry, he became a lawful permanent resident of the United States. As a permanent resident, the client can now build his cybersecurity practice without relying on a sponsoring employer while building a new life for him and his family in the United States. He can work with businesses across industries and states, bringing specialized security expertise to companies that may not have the resources to maintain their own cybersecurity teams. Case Overview Category Details Visa Classification EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) Nationality Colombia Professional Field Cybersecurity and IT Compliance Education Bachelor’s degree in accounting; Master’s degree in information technology Request for Evidence (RFE) No Attorneys Partner Salvatore Picataggio and Senior Attorney Michelle Villagran Final Outcome Green card approved (lawful permanent residency granted) Green Card Approval Date January 9, 2026 EB-2 NIW Visa Read More EB-2 NIW Processing Time (2026): Realistic Timeline & How to Avoid Delays Read More EB-2 NIW Visa: Complete Guide for 2026 Read More In Depth Look at the Second Prong of Dhanasar: Well Positioned to Advance the Endeavor Read More In Depth Look at the First Prong of Dhanasar: Substantial Merit and National Importance Read More In Depth Look at the Third Prong of Dhanasar: Beneficial to the United States Read More This case was handled by Partner Salvatore Picataggio (Initial Filing) and Senior Attorney Michelle Villagran (Consular Processing) of Colombo & Hurd, a U.S. immigration law firm specializing in employment-based visas including EB-2 NIW and EB-1A petitions. The firm has secured over 10,000 successful visa and green card approvals for clients from more than 100 countries, including more than 2,500 approvals in EB-2 NIW and EB-1A categories since 2023.