My patent generates no royalties, but it is cited in many articles. Does that help?

Yes, a patent cited in many articles can be strong evidence in the EB-1, even without royalties. What matters here is not the financial return, but the recognition that your innovation has earned within the field.

When other researchers cite your patent, they signal that your contribution influenced their work and helped advance knowledge or technology in the area. That kind of impact aligns well with the criterion for original contributions of significance.

Even so, the EB-1 evaluates a body of evidence, and a cited patent alone rarely sustains a case on its own. It is worth gathering material that reinforces the overall picture:

• Citation data and the context in which the patent is referenced.
• Letters from experts explaining the impact of the innovation.
• Other supporting evidence, such as publications, awards, or adoption of the technology.

Because each case is evaluated individually, review the current criteria with the USCIS or assess your profile with a specialist to build a consistent and compelling package.

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.