My background is mostly in business, with no publications. Can it still work?

Yes, a background that is primarily in business and without academic publications can support an EB-2 NIW petition. This pathway does not treat publications as a formal requirement; what matters is demonstrating that your work has national merit and importance, and there are many ways to show that outside of academia.

For a business profile, the case typically relies on evidence of the concrete impact of your work, such as:

• Innovative solutions or products you developed or led.
• Business results, sector strengthening, or job creation.
• Awards, recognition, and participation in relevant initiatives.
• Letters from experts and partners attesting to the reach of your work.

The goal is to show, in a clear and documented way, how your experience stands apart from the norm and generates benefits that go beyond a single employer, reaching a scale of national interest. Publications can strengthen a case, but they are not the only path.

Since each petition is evaluated individually by the relevant authority, it is worth organizing a robust body of documentation and reviewing the updated requirements with USCIS, ideally with the support of a specialist.

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.