If you’re a researcher or scientist eyeing the EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW), you’ve probably wondered: How many citations do I need to impress USCIS?

The truth is, there’s no magic number—but that doesn’t mean citations don’t matter.

Here’s the good news: Citations are just one piece of the puzzle. At VeriPass, we can help you secure your EB-2 NIW approval even with moderate citations.

The key is simply through our strategically crafted petition that highlights your impact on the national interest, whether through research, industry influence, or groundbreaking innovations.

In this guide, we’ll break down:

• How many citations are good for a green card?
• What’s the EB-2 NIW approval rate for cases with fewer citations?
• Alternative ways to strengthen your case (even if your Google Scholar profile isn’t overflowing)

Let’s dive deeper.

Do You Need Publications for an EB-2 NIW?

The short answer is No, but they help—a lot.

USCIS doesn’t mandate publications or citations for EB-2 NIW, but if you’re in research, they’re one of the best ways to prove you’re “well positioned to advance your proposed endeavor”—a key requirement under the Matter of Dhanasar precedent.

Why Publications & Citations Strengthen Your Case

– Peer-reviewed work = Expert validation

– Citations = Proof your research influences others

– High-impact journals= Credibility boost

USCIS explicitly mentions in its policy manual:

“A strong citation history or positive discourse around your work can serve as evidence of your impact.”

So while you can get approved with zero citations, having a solid EB-2 NIW citation record tilts the odds in your favor.

How Many Citations Are Enough for EB-2 NIW Approval?

There’s no official minimum, but here’s what data tells us:

Field-Specific Citation Benchmarks

– STEM fields (Biotech, Engineering, CS): 50+ citations are competitive

– Social Sciences & Humanities: 10-30 may suffice (fewer citations are typical)

– Medicine & Life Sciences: 100+ citations are common for strong cases

Did you know?

– 44% of published papers get zero citations (Springer Nature study).

– Just one citation puts you in the top 50%.

– 10+ citations land you in the top 24%.

If your numbers seem low, don’t panic—context matters.

Pro Tip: Use Scopus (Elsevier) or Google Scholar to check average citations in your field. If you’re above the median, highlight that in your petition.

How to Showcase Your Citations for EB-2 NIW

1. Screenshot Your Google Scholar Profile

– Include it as an Exhibit in your I-140.

– Highlight high-citation papers in your cover letter.

2. Prove Journal Prestige

– Use Scimago Journal Rankings or Impact Factor (Journal Citation Reports) to show your work appears in top-tier publications.

Example: “This paper was published in a journal ranked in the top 5% of Biotechnology journals by Google Scholar.”

3. Get Strategic Recommendation Letters

Have experts explicitly mention:

– How often your work is cited

– Why your research is groundbreaking

– How it impacts the field

What Does USCIS Really Care About?

USCIS evaluates three key factors (per the Dhanasar precedent):

1. Substantial Merit & National Importance – Does your work benefit the U.S. economy, health, education, or technology?

2. Well-Positioned to Advance the Field – Can you continue contributing at a high level?

3. Waiving the Job Offer is in the National Interest – Why should the U.S. prioritize your case over others?

Citations help, but they’re not the only evidence. USCIS also considers:

✔ Peer-reviewed publications

✔ Media coverage of your work

✔ Letters from experts in your field (how many reference letters are needed for EB-2 NIW? Typically 4–6 strong ones)

✔ Patents, awards, or speaking invitations

✔ Adoption of your work by government agencies or corporations

EB-2 NIW Approval Rate: What Are Your Chances?

If you’ve scoured EB-2 NIW Reddit threads, you’ve likely seen mixed experiences.

Some applicants with hundreds of citations get hit with an RFE (Request for Evidence), while others with minimal citations sail through.

While USCIS doesn’t publish official numbers, our data at VeriPass shows an EB-2 NIW approval rate of ~85–90% for well-prepared cases.

Even if you receive an EB-2 NIW RFE, a strong response can still lead to approval. We’ve helped clients overcome RFEs by emphasizing industry impact over citation count.

How to Avoid an RFE

– Don’t just list citations—explain their impact.

– Compare yourself to peers (e.g., “My 25 citations exceed the field average of 15.”)

– Use multiple forms of evidence (publications + awards + letters).

AAO Cases Prove Low Citations Aren’t Always a Dealbreaker

The Administrative Appeals Office (AAO)—which reviews USCIS denials—has overturned decisions for applicants with very few citations, including:

Case 1: The Software Engineer with Just 1 Citation

The AAO ruled that despite minimal citations, the applicant’s proprietary software was widely used in critical industries, making his work nationally significant.

Case 2: The Civil Engineer with Few Citations But High Industry Adoption

USCIS initially denied the case, but the AAO reversed the decision after proving that university professors and engineers were actively using the applicant’s models in real-world projects.

Key Takeaway:

If your citations for EB-2 NIW are low, you can still win by proving:

– Your work is applied (not just theoretical)

– It solves a pressing U.S. challenge (e.g., renewable energy, AI security, medical advancements)

– Experts in your field vouch for your influence (strong reference letters matter!)

How to Strengthen Your EB-2 NIW Case (Even with Few Citations)

If your Google Scholar profile isn’t packed with citations, don’t panic. Here’s how we help VeriPass clients build winning petitions:

1. Highlight Real-World Impact Over Academic Citations

– Have companies licensed your technology?

– Has your research influenced U.S. policies or regulations?

– Do government agencies use your work?

2. Secure Powerful Recommendation Letters

– How many reference letters are needed for EB-2 NIW? Ideally 4–6 from:

• Industry leaders
• University professors
• Government officials

– Letters should explicitly state how your work benefits the U.S.

3. Leverage Media & Industry Recognition

– Press features (Forbes, TechCrunch, etc.)

– Conference presentations

– Awards or grants

4. Use AAO Precedents in Your Petition

We cite AAO rulings (like the cases above) to show USCIS that citations aren’t the only measure of impact.

If you’re still wondering, “How many citations is good for a green card?”—the answer depends on your overall profile.

Strong Candidates Typically Have:

– Advanced degree (Master’s/PhD)

– At least 5–10 citations (but exceptions exist!)

– Evidence of industry or academic influence

Next Step: Get a Free Evaluation

At VeriPass, we specialize in O-1 visas and EB-2 NIW petitions for high-achieving professionals. 90%+ approval rate.
Contact us today for a free case review—let’s craft a winning strategy tailored to your strengths.
Ready to take the next step? [Book Your Free Consultation Now]

Final Thoughts
There’s no magic number of citations for EB-2 NIW—but with the right strategy, even applicants with minimal citations can succeed. The key is proving national impact, not just academic metrics.

Need expert guidance? VeriPass is here to help.

FAQs

How many reference letters are needed for EB-2 NIW?

4-6 strong letters (from experts, employers, or peers) are ideal.

What’s the EB-2 NIW processing time?

6-18 months (Premium Processing reduces it to 45 days).

Can I apply with just 5 citations?

Yes, if you compensate with other strong evidence.