My scientific project was cited abroad. Does that count for the US national interest?

Yes, being cited abroad can work in your favor for EB-2 NIW. An international citation signals that your scientific project has recognition and relevance beyond your home country, and that helps support the argument that your work has merit and reach consistent with the national interest of the United States.

That said, it is important to keep this point in the right proportion. A citation alone is not what decides the petition: it serves as one piece within a broader set of evidence that, taken together, demonstrates the importance of your work.

For that reason, a citation tends to carry more weight when accompanied by other supporting elements, such as:

• Publications in recognized venues within your field.
• Awards, recognitions, and letters from independent experts.
• Evidence of practical application or concrete impact of your work.

National interest is assessed in a holistic manner, looking at the full arc of your professional trajectory rather than any single indicator. Since each case is evaluated individually by the competent authority, it is worth reviewing the current requirements with USCIS and, if it makes sense, working with a specialist to connect the international reach of your work to the rest of your argument.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

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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.