How to cite the influence of my work on third-party patents?

To cite the influence of your work on third-party patents, the key is to document the connection clearly: show how your ideas, methods, or findings were used, referenced, or served as a foundation for innovations patented by other individuals or companies. In the EB-2 NIW, this type of evidence helps demonstrate that your work had real impact in your field.

In practice, it is worth gathering materials that make this influence verifiable:

• Excerpts from third-party patents that cite or reference your work.
• Publications, technical reports, or records that link your findings to what was patented.
• Expert opinions explaining how your contribution influenced that innovation.

Beyond listing the citations, provide context: explain what your contribution resolved, why it was adopted by others, and how that reflects a leadership role or technical reference point in your field. This qualitative analysis tends to be more persuasive than an isolated citation alone.

Organize everything precisely and consistently with the rest of the dossier. Since each case is evaluated individually, it is worth reviewing updated criteria with USCIS or with 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.