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Can my case be denied if I do not have citations in other scholars’ works?

The absence of citations does not disqualify the EB-2 NIW; it is possible to prove the impact of the work through other relevant evidence and specialized guidance is essential.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on November 7, 2025
2 min read
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The EB-2 NIW visa is aimed at professionals who demonstrate exceptional abilities and can show that their projects or fields of work have a significant impact in the United States. As you can imagine, each case is evaluated in a highly individualized manner and the analysis is conducted holistically.

Regarding the issue of not having citations in other researchers’ works, it is important to clarify that this is just one of many aspects considered by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Although citations and recognition by other experts in the field can strengthen the evidence that your work has influence and relevance in the academic or professional environment, the absence of these elements does not automatically mean your case will be denied.

There are other ways to demonstrate the relevance and impact of your work, such as awards, patents, publications in reputable journals, recommendation letters from renowned experts, and practical contributions to your area of expertise. It is worth remembering that the EB-2 NIW evaluation process is usually very thorough, and every piece of evidence you can present helps build a strong case.

Thus, if you do not have citations, you can emphasize other indicators of the impact of your work and highlight how your contributions benefit the national interest of the United States. It is essential to always follow the country’s immigration laws and seek information from reliable sources. There are specialized companies and professionals who can guide you better, but it is crucial to be careful with promises of guaranteed results or marketing campaigns that promise approval without solid backing.

Adapting your strategy for presenting merits to the set of evidence you possess and being well informed about current requirements is the safest way to avoid surprises in the process. In summary, the lack of citations is not, by itself, an automatic reason for denial of your case, provided you can demonstrate in other ways the significant impact of your work. Each case is unique, and it is advisable to always seek specialized guidance to make the best decisions when preparing your application.

Learn more about EB-2 NIW

Category
EB-2 NIW Green Card
Self-petition
Allowed (no sponsor needed)
PERM
Waived
Processing
12-36 months
All about EB-2 NIW
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.

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Can my case be denied if I do not have citations in other scholars’ works?

The absence of citations does not disqualify the EB-2 NIW; it is possible to prove the impact of the work through other relevant evidence and specialized guidance is essential.

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