Can I cite unpublished research that was adopted internally in an EB-1 petition?

Yes, in an EB-1 petition you can present research that has not been formally published, as long as you can demonstrate its real-world impact. Peer-reviewed work tends to be more immediately recognizable because it has undergone external evaluation, but internally adopted research can also serve as evidence when it is well documented.

The key is to support the relevance of the work with concrete proof rather than relying solely on formal publication. Show the context in which the research was applied, the results it produced, and how it influenced the organization or the field. Expert testimony can help translate that impact for the person reviewing the case.

• Letters or declarations from experts attesting to the originality and reach of the work.
• Documentation of the results and practical adoption of the research.
• Context linking the research to a recognized impact in the field.

Each case is evaluated individually, and the way you organize and contextualize that evidence matters as much as the material itself. Confirm the current requirements with the official source (USCIS) or with a specialist before assembling the petition.

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Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

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As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.