For EB-1B, I have 5 Q2 articles and 2 Q1, with median citations. Is that a risk?

In the EB-1B category, having 5 articles in Q2 journals and 2 in Q1 is a positive factor, but it does not define approval or denial on its own. This category targets professors and researchers with international recognition, and the evaluation looks well beyond a simple publication count.

What tends to carry weight is the relevance and impact of your work within your field. Q1 publications signal greater visibility and rigor, and Q2 journals also hold recognized standing in many disciplines. Median citations indicate that the community is engaging with your work, though how much that matters depends heavily on the typical citation patterns in your specific area.

Because the review is holistic, the outcome depends on a body of evidence that, taken together, demonstrates a consistent and distinguished contribution, such as:

• Recommendation letters from recognized experts in your field.
• Participation in high-impact projects and research.
• Awards, honors, and other markers of recognition.

In other words, more than any article count, what reduces risk is organizing your evidence of distinction effectively. It is worth building that strategy with a specialist and verifying current requirements before filing.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

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.