An Outstanding Researcher or Professor, or EB-1B, classification applies to aliens who are internationally recognized as exceptional in a particular scientific or scholarly field. Unlike self-petitioned EB-1A visas, EB-1B visas are employer-sponsored. An employer petitions on behalf of an alien, demonstrating that the alien has secured a permanent job offer with the employer and that the alien will continue his or her demonstrably “outstanding” abilities as a researcher or professor in that capacity. Simply put, the employer is the petitioner and the alien is the beneficiary for EB-1Bs.

Who Qualifies?

Aliens residing in the U.S. or abroad are eligible to apply for this designation, provided they meet three general qualifications stipulated by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS):

  1. International recognition for outstanding achievements in a particular academic field.
  2. At least three years of relevant research or teaching experience in that particular academic field.
    • Note that research or teaching experience accrued while in pursuit of an advanced degree, such as a Ph.D., can be counted toward this requirement, but only in three scenarios: the alien had already acquired the degree; the teaching duties were such that the alien had full responsibility for the class taught; or the research conducted toward the degree was recognized within the academic field as outstanding.
    • Aliens must document their work history with letters from current and former employers describing work duties and duration of employment.
  3. A job offer for a permanent research position or a tenured or tenure-track teaching position from the sponsoring employer.
    • Generally, the job offer is given by a university or academic or scientific institution, but it can also be offered by a private employer. If the offer is from a private employer, the employer must have at least three full-time researchers on its workforce. Additionally, the employer must supply documentation speaking to its own research accomplishments and standing in the relevant academic or research field.