Decoding EB1A Citations: Are Citations a Mandatory Requirement for EB1A?
EB1A is intended for individuals with extraordinary abilities in diverse fields such as arts, education, science, business, and sports. Many assume that numerous EB1A citations are necessary to qualify for EB1A. Is this true? No.
Citations serve as one form of evidence to demonstrate the impact of your work in the field, establishing extraordinary ability.
In this blog, we discuss the role of citations in EB1A, dispelling myths and exploring alternative evidence for demonstrating extraordinary ability. Let’s begin.
Role of EB1A Citations in the EB1A Petition
Citations showcase the number of people who have used your work and signify the impact and significance of your work in your field.
EB1A Citations act as evidence to meet the EB1A criteria of original contribution of major significance. Also, if you have widely cited articles, it implies the quality and significance of your scholarly work.
Effective Way to Present Citations for EB1A
Here are some effective ways to present your citations for EB1A petition:
1. State the number of citations your work has received, providing proof demonstrating its impact in the field.
2. Citation counts vary across fields; some fields receive more citations than others. Therefore, mention this fact in your EB1A petition for a fair evaluation.
3. It is common for early research professionals to have fewer citations compared to senior researchers in the field. You should mention this reality with proof to ensure a reasonable assessment by USCIS.
4. Showcase the citations you have received by providing your Google Scholar profile or ResearchGate profile.
5. Highlight your widely cited publication and include a brief overview of the significance of impactful citations.
How Many Citations Are Required for EB1A?
While USCIS does not specify a particular citation count, a higher number of citations typically signifies the influence and significance of your work in the field
It’s important to note that while some individuals with fewer citations meet the EB1A original contribution criteria, others with the same number may receive Requests for Evidence (RFEs) or be deemed by USCIS to have insufficient evidence to meet that criterion. This variation occurs because EB1A citation counts vary depending on the field of expertise.
Furthermore, the quality of citations matters for EB1A. Thus, USCIS evaluates several factors when assessing the quality of your citations, including who cited your work, the impact of your work, and the location of the individuals who cited your work.
Are Citations Necessary for EB1A?
EB1A Citations serve as one type of evidence to demonstrate the impact of your work within the field. Alternatively, you can present evidence of your work’s significance, such as licensing agreements or letters of recommendation, widespread public commentary about your work, etc.
It is common for tech professionals to have few or no citations at all. Thus, they can submit alternative evidence to showcase their work’s impact. Also, many individuals have obtained EB1A approval without any citations.
Conclusion
Within the EB1 category, EB1A stands out as it allows you to self-petition your green card application without employer sponsorship. EB1A doesn’t require a PhD or labor certification.
Also, EB1A citations are not an essential requirement for EB1A.
EB1A has shorter green card wait times compared to EB2 and EB3 green card categories for India. EB1A final action dates move faster than those of EB2 and EB3 green card categories.
If you are seeking EB1A assistance beyond professional coaching, explore the Smart Green Card VIP.
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