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I have co-authorship on many publications, but I am not the lead author. Can I qualify?

A co-author who is not the lead author can still pursue the EB-1: what counts is your actual contribution and the impact of the work. See how to strengthen publications with citations and testimonials.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on July 21, 2026
1 min read
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Yes, it is possible to qualify for the EB-1 even without being the lead author. Co-authorship across multiple publications helps demonstrate relevance, but the analysis takes into account your specific contribution in each work and the recognition those works have received in your field.

When you are not the lead author, some evidence may carry less weight depending on your role. The key is to clearly show that your participation was consistent and significant to the advancement of the field. This can be reinforced by:

  • Citations of your work by other researchers.
  • Testimonials describing your concrete contribution.
  • Impact indicators of the publications in your field.

It is worth noting that publications are just one component of the EB-1. Awards, participation in committees, peer review, and original contributions also factor into the overall case. To build a strong petition, review the current criteria on the USCIS website and go over your strategy with a specialist.

Learn more about EB-1

Category
EB-1 Green Card (1st priority)
Requirement
Extraordinary ability
Self-petition
Allowed (no sponsor needed)
Processing
6-18 months
All about EB-1

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.

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I have co-authorship on many publications, but I am not the lead author. Can I qualify?

A co-author who is not the lead author can still pursue the EB-1: what counts is your actual contribution and the impact of the work. See how to strengthen publications with citations and testimonials.

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