Do I Have Enough for EB-2 NIW? A PhD Student’s Guide to Building a Strong Case Early

Start planning for EB-2 NIW now — your future self will thank you. | Adobe Stock

By Helen Partlow, Managing Attorney at Waypoint Immigration USA

For many PhD students, the idea of applying for a green card under the EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) category feels both hopeful and out of reach. Maybe you’ve heard about someone who got approved with multiple patents, a dozen first-author papers, and a citation count in the thousands. And maybe your reaction was: Well, that’s not me.

Here’s the truth: most successful EB-2 NIW applicants don’t look like that either. And if you’re asking, “Do I have enough?”, the answer might be a lot more encouraging than you think.

EB-2 NIW vs. EB-1A

Let’s start by clearing up one of the biggest misconceptions. The EB-2 NIW is not the EB-1A. You’re not being asked to prove that you’ve made “original contributions of major significance” to your field. That’s an EB-1A requirement, which is a much higher bar intended for the top percentile of global experts.

The EB-2 NIW, on the other hand, is designed for individuals whose work is important to the United States and who are well-positioned to advance that work in the future. It’s not about how famous you are. It’s about how your efforts can benefit the country if you’re allowed to skip the usual labor certification process.

So, if your research addresses national priorities, like public health, renewable energy, education, cybersecurity, or other public interest areas, USCIS may agree that the U.S. needs someone like you to keep doing that work here.

What the Government Actually Cares About

The EB-2 NIW is adjudicated under the framework of the Matter of Dhanasar. In Dhanasar, USCIS evaluates three key prongs:

1. Is your proposed endeavor important to the U.S.?Your field doesn’t need to be headline-making, but it should serve a clear public benefit. This includes technical work that supports national infrastructure, science that improves policy outcomes, or research that fuels innovation.

2. Are you well-positioned to advance that endeavor?This is where your achievements come in. Have you published? Collaborated? Presented? Been recognized by peers? USCIS wants to see that you’re building toward something meaningful.

3. Is it worth waiving the labor certification process for you?This is a balancing test to ensure that by admitting you, it would not hurt the American workforce. If your continued work would benefit the U.S. more than requiring you to go through the standard job offer route, you may qualify.
   

This is not a checklist of prestige. It’s a judgment about your path forward and your future impact on the country.

Citations and Journals: What Matters More Than Metrics

One of the most common worries I hear from PhD students is: “I don’t have many citations,” or, “My papers aren’t in Nature or Science.” Here’s the good news: that’s not disqualifying.

Among PhD students, citation counts can feel like a constant source of anxiety. But the truth is, citations are highly field-dependent. A biomedical sciences student might accumulate hundreds of citations early on, while someone in the social sciences, public health, or education might build a respected profile with far fewer. USCIS understands these differences. What matters isn’t the raw number; it’s how your work is received and used within your field.

Are other researchers building on your findings? Has your paper been referenced in technical reports, grant proposals, or policy documents? Are your datasets, methods, or models being adopted in other labs or taught in graduate seminars? These signs of scholarly relevance often carry more weight than metrics alone.

Just as important is where you’ve published. A handful of papers in highly regarded, peer-reviewed journals, especially those with rigorous editorial standards, can have far more impact than a dozen papers in low-tier or pay-to-publish venues. Publishing in selective journals shows that your work has undergone serious academic scrutiny and is considered valuable by experts in your field.

If your citation count is modest, framing your impact through expert letters, publication quality, and evidence of use can go a long way in establishing your influence and future potential.

Bottom line: context matters more than clout. Strategic framing matters more than volume.

How Many Publications Are “Enough”?

There’s no universal threshold for how many papers you need. A single, well-regarded, first-authored publication, especially backed by strong letters from experts, can go further than a long list of secondary co-authorships.

What matters more than quantity is:

• Do your publications show consistency in your area of focus?

• Do they relate to your proposed endeavor?

• Do they reflect your role as an emerging expert?
  

Even if you’re midway through your PhD, showing a pipeline of research (e.g., accepted papers, working drafts, ongoing collaborations) can help USCIS understand your trajectory.

Start Building the Evidence Now

Many students assume they’ll “get everything in order” after graduation. But the smartest thing you can do is start documenting your journey now. Here’s what to track and gather along the way:

• Memberships in professional societies, especially those with competitive entry

• Peer review invitations (yes, screenshot those emails!)

• Speaking engagements or workshop leadership

• Teaching or mentoring activities

• Industry collaborations or internships

• Awards, grants, or recognition, even if small
  

This kind of evidence helps establish that others in your field recognize your expertise and value your work.

Your Proposed Endeavor Is the Heart of the Petition

If your petition is the house, your proposed endeavor is the foundation. It needs to be future-focused, credible, and aligned with some area of national interest. That means answering questions like:

• What specific goals do you want to pursue in your research or work?

• How will your work benefit a sector, a community, or the public good?

• Why is the U.S. the right place for you to do it?
  

This isn’t a puff piece, it’s a plan. Your petition should connect your past accomplishments to your future intentions with a narrative that shows your work matters, and you’re equipped to make a difference.

Don’t Wait to Be “Perfect”

The EB-2 NIW isn’t about waiting until you feel “ready.” It’s about presenting a strong, forward-looking case that shows how your skills, training, and expertise will serve the U.S. national interest.

And you don’t have to figure it out alone.

If you’re unsure whether your profile is ready, or how to shape your proposed endeavor, we’re happy to help you map it out early. Sometimes the best time to plan your case is before you think you're eligible.

Let’s make sure you don’t miss your moment just because you thought you weren’t enough.