EB-1B Outstanding Professors and Researchers

1. What qualifications are required for an individual to qualify for an EB-1B visa as an outstanding professor or researcher?


To qualify for an EB-1B visa as an outstanding professor or researcher, an individual must have at least three years of research or teaching experience in the relevant field and must be internationally recognized as outstanding in that particular area. The criteria for this recognition include: receipt of major awards or prizes for excellence in the field; membership in associations that require outstanding achievement; published material about the applicant in professional publications; participation as a judge of other researcher’s works; original scientific or scholarly research contributions to the field; and authorship of scholarly books or articles.

2. What is the difference between a green card and an EB-1B visa?


A green card is a permanent residency status that allows a foreign national to live and work in the United States indefinitely. An EB-1B visa is a US nonimmigrant visa for individuals of extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. Unlike a green card, an EB-1B visa has a limited duration and must be renewed or extended periodically.

3. Who can sponsor an individual to obtain an EB-1B visa?


The employer of the individual can sponsor the individual to obtain an EB-1B visa. The employer must demonstrate that the individual is one of the best in their field and has an extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics. The employer must also show that they are able to provide and guarantee a job offer for the individual and the individual must be able to prove they have substantial experience in their field.

4. What types of evidence are necessary to demonstrate that an individual is an outstanding professor or researcher?


The types of evidence necessary to demonstrate that an individual is an outstanding professor or researcher include:
# Academic publications in leading journals or books
# High citation counts for their work
# Active participation as a keynote speaker or panelist at conferences
# Outstanding teaching ratings from students in classes taught
# Awards from professional organizations or universities
# Invitations to workshops and seminars
# Service on editorial boards of journals
# Funding from research grants
# Testimonials from colleagues or students

5. What is the processing time for the EB-1B visa?


The processing time for the EB-1B visa varies depending on the specific case. Generally, it can take anywhere from 1-4 months for the entire process to be completed.

6. What documents are required to apply for an EB-1B visa?


To apply for an EB-1B visa, you will need to provide the following documents:

• Proof of your extraordinary ability in your field of expertise.

• A letter from an employer or prospective employer offering you a position that will require you to use your extraordinary ability.

• Evidence of any awards or recognition you have received for your work in the field.

• Evidence of any educational degrees or certifications you may have obtained related to your field.

• Evidence of any published articles, books, or other documents related to your field.

• Evidence showing that you have been employed in a similar position for at least one year by a recognized employer.

7. How is the salary requirement calculated for an EB-1B visa?


The salary requirement for an EB-1B visa is based on the prevailing wage for the particular position in the geographic area of intended employment. To determine the prevailing wage, the prospective employer must request a labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor. This labor certification includes information about the duties of the position, the minimum requirements to perform those duties, and other details about the job and the wages offered for it. The prospective employer must also submit documentation to demonstrate that the salary offered meets or exceeds the prevailing wage for that position in that geographic area.

8. Is there a minimum salary requirement for an EB-1B visa application?


Yes, the Department of Labor requires that you be paid at least the prevailing wage for the position that you are applying for. The prevailing wage is determined by the position and geographical location of the job.

9. How long can I stay in the United States on an EB-1B visa?


The exact length of stay granted on an EB-1B visa will depend on the individual case. Generally, an EB-1B visa allows for a maximum period of stay of four years.

10. What is the process of changing from one nonimmigrant status to another?


The process of changing from one nonimmigrant status to another is known as a change of status. To do so, a foreign national must file Form I-539, Application to Change Nonimmigrant Status, with USCIS. The applicant may also need to submit additional documents, such as proof of financial support or a job offer letter, depending on the type of status requested.

11. What are the chances of success in obtaining an EB-1B visa?


The chances of success in obtaining an EB-1B visa depend on a variety of factors, including the applicant’s qualifications and the current state of immigration regulations. Generally speaking, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) estimates that most applicants who meet the criteria for an EB-1B visa will be successful. However, it is important to note that there is no guarantee of approval.

12. Are there any limitations on the number of times I can renew my EB-1B visa?


No, there is no limit on the number of times you can renew your EB-1B visa. However, the USCIS may review your application to ensure that you still meet the eligibility criteria for EB-1B classification.

13. How does an individual qualify as a “recognized leader” in their field of expertise under the EB-1B criteria?


To qualify as a “recognized leader” in their field of expertise for the EB-1B, an individual must have a level of expertise and acclaim in their field that is above the ordinary. This may be demonstrated by having achieved either of the following: 1) international recognition for their achievements in their field of expertise; 2) recognition within their own country or field of expertise on an international level; or 3) a high salary or other remuneration from a prominent organization which demonstrates that they are highly sought after by employers. Additionally, the individual must have at least three years of relevant experience in their field of expertise.

14. Are there any restrictions on employment while holding an EB-1B visa?


Yes, employment restrictions exist while holding an EB-1B visa. The visa holder must be employed in the same occupation as that stated in their approved petition, and the employer must have at least three full-time U.S.-based employees. Additionally, the position must require an advanced level of expertise and it must represent a substantial benefit to the employer.

15. Are there any special requirements for individuals who enter the United States under the EB-1B category?


Yes. Among other criteria, the individual must demonstrate extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics through sustained national or international acclaim, and must have a job offer from a U.S. employer. In addition, the individual must demonstrate that his or her entry into the United States will substantially benefit prospectively the United States.

16. Does the “outstanding professor or researcher” criteria also include postdoctoral fellowships or student researchers who have received awards or recognition for their work?


No, the “Outstanding Professor or Researcher” criteria does not include postdoctoral fellowships or student researchers who have received awards or recognition for their work. This criteria is specifically for professors or researchers who have demonstrated international recognition for their outstanding achievements in a specific academic field.

17. How do I prove that my educational qualifications meet the minimum requirements for admission to a U.S. university in order to qualify as an outstanding professor or researcher?


To prove that your educational qualifications meet the minimum requirements for admission to a U.S. university as an outstanding professor or researcher, you must provide copies of transcripts, degrees, and certificates from all institutions where you earned a degree. You may also need to provide detailed descriptions of the courses taken, research conducted, and publications authored. Additionally, you should provide evidence of your teaching experience and any awards or recognitions received.

18. What is the impact of publication history on my eligibility for an EB-1B visa?


Publication history may not be a major factor in determining eligibility for an EB-1B visa. Generally, the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) requires that a foreign national demonstrate “sustained national or international acclaim” in order to qualify for an EB-1B visa. This criterion is typically met through extensive achievements in the field, such as awards, prizes, membership in prestigious organizations, and other forms of recognition from experts in the relevant field. Publications may also be taken into consideration, but it is not necessary for one to have had many publications as long as they are able to demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim in their field.

19. Can I bring my family along with me to the United States if I am granted a visa under the EB-1B category?


Yes, if you are granted a visa under the EB-1B category, you can bring your family (spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age) along with you to the United States. They would be eligible to apply for dependent visas.

20. Can I adjust my status from nonimmigrant to immigrant while on an EB-1B visa?


Yes, you can adjust your status from nonimmigrant to immigrant while on an EB-1B visa. However, you must meet certain eligibility requirements to do so. These include being an alien of extraordinary ability, having an approved immigrant petition, and having an available immigrant visa.