I have citations in third-party patents. Does that count for EB-2 NIW?

Yes, having your work cited in third-party patents can work in your favor in the EB-2 NIW. This type of citation suggests that your research influenced innovations and practical applications developed by other individuals or companies, which helps demonstrate impact beyond academia.

What gives this element weight is not the citation alone, but the context around it. It is worth explaining why it is relevant: which idea of yours was used, how it connects to your original contributions, and what practical effect it produced in your field.

In the EB-2 NIW, the focus is on showing that your work has concrete utility and broad benefit, so these citations are most effective when integrated into a larger body of evidence of your professional relevance.

Since each case is evaluated individually, it is advisable to check the updated guidance from USCIS and, when possible, work with a specialist to properly contextualize the citations in your petition.

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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.