One of the most common questions we hear from aspiring EB-2 NIW candidates is:
“Do I need an extensive list of publications to secure an approval?”
The answer, as shown by recent success stories, is not always.
Real-World Example
Consider one of our recent clients—a PhD in applied mathematics with a modest citation record and only a few publications. Despite lacking a lengthy publication list, their well-recognized research directly supported key advancements in priority sectors, demonstrating a meaningful national impact. Thanks to this alignment with U.S. interests, their petition was approved within just 18 days of filing under premium processing.
Lessons Learned
- Quality Over Quantity
USCIS focuses on the importance and national relevance of your contributions, rather than sheer numbers. A small handful of highly impactful papers can outweigh a longer list of less significant work. - Strategic Presentation
How you position your work in the petition can make all the difference. It’s crucial to show the broader importance of your research and clearly link it to U.S. priorities. - Comprehensive Petition Work
While some candidates are responsible for drafting most of their petition themselves, working with a dedicated team that handles the extensive writing and editing ensures your contributions and impact are effectively communicated.
Final Thoughts
This example reminds us that the path to EB-2 NIW success isn’t just about having numerous publications—it’s about demonstrating quality work with clear, national impact. For applicants with fewer publications, don’t be discouraged. What matters most is how you frame your achievements to show they contribute meaningfully to the national interest.