The EB-1B classification is for professors and researchers who are internationally recognized as outstanding in a specific academic area. Unlike EB-1A, this category requires employer sponsorship and a job offer for a tenured, tenure-track, or comparable permanent research position.
The beneficiary must be recognized internationally as outstanding in a specific academic field.
The beneficiary must have at least 3 years of experience in teaching or research in the academic field.
The beneficiary must be entering the U.S. to pursue a tenured or tenure-track teaching position or a comparable permanent research position.
The petitioner must be a U.S. university, institution of higher education, or a private employer with at least 3 full-time researchers.
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Two-Step Review Process
Step One
Assess whether evidence meets regulatory criteria: Determine, by a preponderance of the evidence, which evidence submitted by the petitioner objectively meets the parameters of at least 2 of the 6 regulatory criteria.
Step Two
Final merits determination: Evaluate all the evidence together to determine whether the beneficiary is recognized internationally as outstanding in a specific academic area.
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Regulatory Criteria
1. Major Prizes or Awards
Receipt of major prizes or awards for outstanding achievement in the academic field.
Examples
Awards from well-known national institutions or professional associations
Doctoral dissertation awards
Awards recognizing presentations at nationally or internationally recognized conferences
2. Membership in Associations
Membership in associations in the academic field that require outstanding achievements of their members.
Examples
Fellowship with prestigious organizations or institutions
Membership in professional associations requiring outstanding achievements
Memberships judged by panels of current fellows or experts
3. Published Material About You
Published material in professional publications written by others about the beneficiary's work in the academic field. Must include title, date, and author.
Examples
Professional print or online publications about your work
Academic journal articles discussing your contributions
Transcripts of professional audio or video coverage
4. Judging the Work of Others
Participation, either individually or on a panel, as the judge of the work of others in the same or an allied academic field.
Examples
Reviewer of abstracts or papers for scholarly conferences
Peer reviewer for scholarly publications
Member of doctoral dissertation committees
Peer reviewer for government research funding programs
5. Original Research Contributions
Original scientific or scholarly research contributions to the academic field.
Examples
Published materials about the significance of your original work
Testimonials and letters about your original contributions
Citation history showing impact on the field
Patents or licenses deriving from your work
6. Scholarly Articles
Authorship of scholarly books or articles in scholarly journals with international circulation in the academic field.
Examples
Publications in peer-reviewed journals
Published conference presentations at recognized conferences
Scholarly books in the academic field
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Application Process
Job Offer
Obtain offer of tenured, tenure-track, or permanent research position from qualifying employer.
Eligibility Assessment
Evaluate credentials against the 6 regulatory criteria (must meet at least 2).
Evidence Compilation
Gather documentation of awards, publications, citations, peer review, and research contributions.
Petition Filing
Employer files Form I-140 with supporting evidence.
Adjudication
USCIS conducts two-step review: criteria assessment, then final merits determination.
RFE Response (if issued)
If USCIS requests additional evidence, prepare comprehensive response.
Approval & Green Card
Once I-140 is approved, proceed with Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing.
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Key Benefits
No PERM Labor Certification required
Premium Processing available
Green Card for spouse and unmarried children under 21
First preference category (faster visa availability)
Path to permanent residency through employment
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Documents Needed
Valid Passport
Curriculum Vitae / Resume
Evidence of 3+ Years Teaching/Research Experience
Job Offer Letter (Tenured/Tenure-Track/Permanent Research)
Evidence of Awards & Prizes
Published Articles & Citation Reports
Letters from Experts in the Field
Evidence of Peer Review Activities
Documentation of Original Research Contributions
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between EB-1A and EB-1B?
EB-1A is for individuals with extraordinary ability who can self-petition without a job offer. EB-1B requires employer sponsorship and a job offer for a tenured, tenure-track, or permanent research position. EB-1B also requires 3 years of experience in the field.
What qualifies as a 'permanent research position'?
A permanent research position is one of indefinite or unlimited duration where the employee has an expectation of continued employment. Research positions funded by yearly grants can qualify if the employer demonstrates intent to continue seeking funding and a reasonable expectation that funding will continue.
Can government agencies petition for EB-1B?
Generally, government agencies do not qualify as petitioners for EB-1B unless they can establish they are a U.S. university or institution of higher learning. Private employers must employ at least 3 full-time researchers.
How many criteria must I meet?
You must meet at least 2 of the 6 regulatory criteria. Meeting the minimum does not guarantee approval - USCIS also evaluates whether you are internationally recognized as outstanding in your academic field.
What does 'internationally recognized as outstanding' mean?
USCIS evaluates factors such as publishing in highly-ranked journals, high citation rates (h-index), employment at leading research institutions, invitations to speak at recognized conferences, and being named on peer-reviewed government grants.
$1,500 for Principal Applicant, $850 for Each Dependent
USCIS Fee for I-485
$1,440 for Each Adult & $950 for Each Child under 14 years old
Optional EAD Application (I-765) per Adult
$260
Optional Advance Parole (I-131) per Adult
$630
IVP (Consular Process) Fee for Each Applicant
$345
Fees are estimates and may change. Contact us for a quote for your specific case.
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