Can publishing in predatory journals hurt an EB-2 NIW case?

It can hurt. In an EB-2 NIW petition, publishing in predatory journals (those that charge for publication without rigorous peer review) tends to weigh against your case rather than strengthen it.

This happens because publications are read as a signal of the quality and recognition of your work. When the outlet lacks credibility in the academic community, the contribution itself comes into question, and the effect can be the opposite of what was intended.

To make your publication record reinforce your case instead of undermining it, consider:

• Prioritizing recognized and respected outlets in your field.
• Favoring journals with genuine peer review and a strong editorial reputation.
• Emphasizing real impact (citations, engagement from the community) over sheer publication volume.

In short, quality and reputation carry more weight than quantity. If you are unsure where to publish or how to frame your record, reviewing the best practices in your field and aligning your dossier strategy with a specialist is a worthwhile step.

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.