How many citations do I need for EB1A?

There is no fixed number. USCIS looks at the 'quality' of citations relative to your field. However, being in the top 1% or 10% of your field is a strong indicator.

What qualifies as a major award?

A major internationally recognized award is something on the level of a Nobel Prize, Oscar, or Olympic Medal. Most applicants rely on lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes.

Do I need a job offer for EB1A?

No. EB1A is one of the few Green Card categories that allows you to self-petition. You do not need an employer sponsor.

How long does EB-1A processing take?

Regular processing takes 6-12 months. With Premium Processing ($2,805), USCIS provides a decision within 15 business days.

Can I apply for EB-1A while on H-1B visa?

Yes, you can apply for EB-1A while maintaining H-1B status. EB-1A allows dual intent, so filing won't affect your current visa status.

Criterion 6 of 10

View Evidence Checklist

Authorship of Scholarly Articles

Have you published articles in professional or major trade publications?

Evidence Strength Examples

USCIS evaluates the strength of your evidence. Here's what they look for:

High Evidence Strength

Strong evidence that clearly demonstrates extraordinary ability

Papers in top-tier journals (Nature, Science) or highly selective conferences (NeurIPS, CVPR) with high citation counts.

Medium Evidence Strength

Moderate evidence that may need additional documentation

Papers in standard peer-reviewed journals or conferences with average impact factors.

Low Evidence Strength

Weak evidence that typically doesn't meet USCIS standards

Articles in predatory journals, self-published posts, or internal whitepapers.

How to Document This Criterion

Evidence to Collect

Types of documentation USCIS looks for

Copies of published papers with full citations
Journal/conference impact factors and acceptance rates
Citation counts from Google Scholar or similar
Evidence of your authorship role (first author, etc.)
Reviews or commentary citing your work

Pro Tips

Expert advice for stronger documentation

💡Quality over quantity—focus on high-impact publications
💡Include acceptance rates to show venue selectivity
💡Document citation impact relative to field average
💡Highlight any best paper awards or invitations

Ready to Check Your Eligibility?

Use our free calculator to evaluate all 10 criteria and get your EB-1A score.

All EB-1A Criteria

1. Awards 2. Membership 3. Media Coverage 4. Judging 5. Contributions 6. Scholarly Articles 7. Exhibitions 8. Leading Role 9. High Salary 10. Commercial Success