Is it advisable to register my books’ copyrights before applying?

Registering the copyrights of your books can be useful before applying for the EB-2 NIW, but it is important to understand its role: it is not a requirement of this pathway, and on its own it does not lead to approval. Registration protects your intellectual property and helps formally demonstrate that the works are yours, which can reinforce authorship when you use those publications as evidence.

What truly carries weight in the EB-2 NIW is demonstrating the merit and national relevance of your work. In that context, books matter because of the impact they generate and the recognition they attract, not simply because they are registered:

• How the works are received, cited, or adopted in your field.
• The academic or professional recognition they help establish.
• How they connect to your contribution of national interest.

In short, registering can add value and help organize your documentation, but the decision should be part of a broader assessment of how all your materials support your case. Since every situation is unique, it is worth checking the updated guidelines at the official source (USCIS) and seeking specialized support in both copyright law and immigration, while avoiding any promises of guaranteed outcomes.

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.