Can I submit an unpublished undergraduate thesis or academic dissertation as a ‘publication’?

When discussing the topic of EB-1 visas for the United States, especially regarding the proof of academic achievements and contributions, it is crucial to understand how the immigration service (USCIS) interprets what is considered a ‘publication’. This aspect can be decisive, and therefore, it is important to have clarity about the criteria used.

In general, for the EB-1 category, ‘publication’ refers to works that have been formally published in peer-reviewed academic journals, books, chapters, or other platforms recognized by the scientific community. An undergraduate thesis or academic dissertation that has not undergone the formal publication process – that is, that has not been distributed in official repositories, indexed journals, or by recognized publishers – will hardly be seen by USCIS as strong evidence of publication.

The immigration service’s intention is to validate that your work has had visibility and recognition in the academic environment broadly and independently. It is worth noting that even if your undergraduate thesis or dissertation contains relevant content, without proper formal publication, it generally does not meet the stipulated criteria.

If there is a possibility of transforming it into published material – for example, through a revised edition following scientific publication standards – this alternative may strengthen your application. It is always wise to strictly follow United States immigration laws and regulations.

In case of doubts about which documents are accepted and the paths to meet the EB-1 visa requirements, it is recommended that you seek more detailed information from official sources or through consultations with recognized immigration experts, thus avoiding falling for promises or marketing campaigns that may not be supported by procedural reality.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.