Does a draft article under peer review count as a publication?

Generally, no. A draft or manuscript still going through peer review is not typically treated as a completed publication in an EB-2 NIW petition. It has not yet completed the formal evaluation that lends credibility to the work.

What normally carries weight as a publication is an article that has already been published or, at minimum, formally accepted for publication in a recognized outlet. In those cases, the work has passed editorial scrutiny, which helps demonstrate the quality and impact of your contribution.

This does not mean that a work in progress is useless to your case. It can be included as part of the narrative of your output, showing the continuity and direction of your research, as long as it is presented honestly regarding its current stage. The weight of each piece of evidence will vary depending on your overall profile.

Since each case is evaluated individually, it is worth assembling your documentation carefully and, when possible, checking the latest guidance from the official source (USCIS) and consulting a specialist 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.