Tracked EB2-NIW decisions between Jul 2026 and Sep 2026, as reported by each case owner.
What USCIS asks for
1. EB-2 eligibility
An advanced degree — a master's or higher, or a bachelor's plus five years of progressive experience — or exceptional ability in your field.
2. The three Dhanasar prongs
- Your proposed endeavor has substantial merit and national importance.
- You are well positioned to advance it.
- On balance, waiving the job offer and labor certification benefits the United States.
USCIS sets no minimum for publications or citations. Details on the USCIS EB-2 page.
Approved and denied, by publications
Peer-reviewed publications reported by each case owner.
Based on 113 tracked cases that reported it. Teal marks the approved share.
Approved and denied, by citations
Total citations reported by each case owner.
Based on 112 tracked cases that reported it. Teal marks the approved share.
Approved and denied, by degree
Highest degree reported by each case owner.
3 more fell in groups with fewer than 8 decisions — counted, not split.
Based on 115 tracked cases that reported it. Teal marks the approved share.
- Based on 152 cases shared on NIWStats while pending and decided between Jul 2026 and Sep 2026, with the decision read from USCIS. All were premium-processing cases.
- Degree, publications and citations are reported by each case owner, in ranges.
- Not a national rate, and not legal advice: people who share their case are not a random sample.
By field and research vs industry profile: EB2-NIW approval rate. How we collect & count →
EB2-NIW requirements FAQ
What are the EB2-NIW requirements?
Two things. First, EB-2 eligibility: an advanced degree (a master's or higher, or a bachelor's plus five years of progressive experience) or exceptional ability. Second, the three Matter of Dhanasar prongs: the proposed endeavor has substantial merit and national importance; you are well positioned to advance it; and on balance, waiving the job offer and labor certification benefits the United States.
How many publications do you need for EB2-NIW?
USCIS sets no minimum. Among 113 tracked EB2-NIW decisions that reported a publication count (between Jul 2026 and Sep 2026): none: 9 of 24 approved; 1–5: 7 of 28 approved; 6–20: 43 of 53 approved; 21+: 8 of 8 approved.
How many citations do you need for EB2-NIW?
USCIS sets no minimum. Among 112 tracked EB2-NIW decisions that reported a citation count (between Jul 2026 and Sep 2026): none: 9 of 27 approved; 1–50: 18 of 32 approved; 51–200: 20 of 31 approved; 201+: 20 of 22 approved.
Can you get an EB2-NIW without a PhD?
Yes. A master's degree meets the advanced-degree requirement, and so does a bachelor's plus five years of progressive experience. Among tracked decisions that reported a degree (between Jul 2026 and Sep 2026): Bachelor's: 2 of 10 approved; Master's: 28 of 54 approved; PhD: 27 of 35 approved; MD: 11 of 13 approved.
See the decided cases for your field and profile
Each case with its degree, publications, citations, RFE history and timeline.
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