U.S. Citizenship and EB-1B Outstanding Professors and Researchers

1. What are the requirements for an individual to qualify for the EB-1B Outstanding Professors and Researchers visa category?


To qualify for the EB-1B Outstanding Professors and Researchers visa category, the individual must demonstrate at least three years of experience in teaching or research in their academic field. Additionally, they must have international recognition as an outstanding researcher or professor in their field as evidenced by major prizes or awards, original contributions to their field, published material in professional publications, or participation as a judge of the work of others. The individual must also be entering the United States in a permanent teaching or research position at a university or other institution of higher education.

2. What is the EB-1B Outstanding Professors and Researchers visa filing process?


The EB-1B Outstanding Professors and Researchers visa is an employment-based visa for individuals who demonstrate international recognition for their outstanding achievements in the academic field. To be eligible for the EB-1B visa, applicants must demonstrate three criteria: international recognition for their outstanding achievements, at least three years of experience in teaching or research in their academic area, and they must seek admission to the US to pursue a tenure-track or permanent research position at a university or other institution of higher education.

The filing process for the EB-1B visa begins with the employer submitting a Form I-140 Petition for Alien Worker. The petition must include evidence of the applicant’s qualifications, such as awards, publications, and other forms of recognition for outstanding achievement in the academic field. The USCIS will review the application and may request additional evidence to verify the applicant’s qualifications. If approved, the applicant can apply for his or her visa at a US embassy or consulate.

3. How does one demonstrate international recognition in order to qualify for the EB-1B Outstanding Professors and Researchers visa?


To qualify for an EB-1B Outstanding Professors and Researchers visa, the foreign national must demonstrate international recognition for their outstanding achievement as evidenced by significant contributions to their field. This can be demonstrated through a combination of sustained national or international acclaim and recognition in their field, such as major prizes or awards, membership in associations requiring outstanding achievement, published material in professional publications written by others about your work, or participation as a judge of the work of others. In addition, three of the following must be met: at least two years of teaching or research experience in the field; original scientific or scholarly research contributions to the field; authorship of scholarly books or articles; published materials in professional publications; participation as a judge of the work of others; original scientific or scholarly research contributions in the field; exhibiting a high level of skill in the field; commanding a high salary compared to others in the field; and commanding a high salary for their services as evidenced by contracts or other reliable evidence.

4. What documents need to be submitted with the EB-1B Outstanding Professors and Researchers petition?


In order to submit an EB-1B Outstanding Professors and Researchers petition, the petitioner must submit a few documents to USCIS. These documents include, but are not limited to:

• Evidence of the petitioner’s international recognition as outstanding in a particular academic field;

• Evidence of the petitioner’s at least three years of teaching or research experience in the academic field;

• Evidence of the petitioner’s receipt of major prizes or awards for excellence in that field; and

• Evidence of the petitioner’s membership in associations in the academic field that require outstanding achievements.

5. Are there any age restrictions for obtaining an EB-1B Outstanding Professors and Researchers visa?


Yes, there are age restrictions for obtaining an EB-1B Outstanding Professors and Researchers visa. To be eligible, the applicant must be either a professor or researcher aged 40 or younger, or a professor or researcher aged 50 or older with exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business.

6. What are the different employment options for individuals who have received an EB-1B Outstanding Professors and Researchers visa?


Individuals who have received an EB-1B Outstanding Professors and Researchers visa may be employed in a variety of positions, including:

• Positions as faculty members at a college or university
• Positions in government or private research institutes or organizations
• Positions with private industry, such as research and development departments
• Positions as independent consultants in research-related fields
• Positions as corporate researchers
• Positions as independent scientific and scholarly researchers.

7. What is the difference between an EB-1A Extraordinary Ability Visa and an EB-1B Outstanding Professors and Researchers Visa?


An EB-1A Extraordinary Ability Visa is for individuals who have extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. To qualify, the applicant must have sustained international acclaim and must show evidence of achievements such as awards or other significant accomplishments.

An EB-1B Outstanding Professors and Researchers Visa is for individuals who have an extraordinary ability in a particular academic field. This visa requires the applicant must have at least three years of experience in teaching or research in that academic field, as well as notable scientific achievements or contribution to their respective field.

8. How long does it take to get a decision on an EB-1B Outstanding Professors and Researchers visa application?


The processing time for an EB-1B Outstanding Professors and Researchers visa application varies depending on the individual case; however, the USCIS estimates that processing times for this type of visa application can take anywhere from one to six months.

9. Is there a minimum salary requirement for obtaining an EB-1B Outstanding Professors and Researchers visa?


Yes. The minimum salary requirement for obtaining an EB-1B Outstanding Professors and Researchers visa is the prevailing wage for the position. The prevailing wage is determined by the U.S. Department of Labor and is based on the local labor market.

10. How much does it cost to file an EB-1B Outstanding Professors and Researchers visa application?


The cost to file an EB-1B Outstanding Professors and Researchers visa application is a filing fee of $700 plus the $85 biometrics fee. Additionally, applicants may also need to pay for any other expenses related to the application, such as travel to the consulate for an interview or fees for medical exams.

11. Is a job offer required to apply or qualify for the EB-1B Outstanding Professors and Researchers visa?


No, a job offer is not required to apply or qualify for the EB-1B Outstanding Professors and Researchers visa. However, the individual must provide evidence of exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business in order to qualify.

12. Is it possible to apply for a Green Card through the EB-1B Outstanding Professors and Researchers visa category?


Yes, it is possible to apply for a Green Card through the EB-1B Outstanding Professors and Researchers visa category. The EB-1B visa is a type of employment-based permanent residency visa that is reserved for individuals who are recognized internationally as outstanding in their fields. To qualify, the applicant must demonstrate that they have at least three years of experience in teaching or research in their field, and they must also show that they have achieved international recognition for their accomplishments.

13. What is the difference between EB-1A Extraordinary Ability Visas and EB-2 National Interest Waivers?


EB-1A Extraordinary Ability Visas are for individuals with extraordinary ability in the arts, sciences, education, business, or athletics, as demonstrated by sustained national or international acclaim and whose achievements have been recognized in the field through extensive documentation. To qualify for an EB-1A Visa, applicants must prove that their work has had a major impact on their field.

EB-2 National Interest Waivers are for individuals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business who are seeking either a waiver of the job offer requirement to obtain permanent residence or a waiver of the labor certification requirement. This type of visa allows beneficiaries to demonstrate that their admission into the US will benefit the economy, cultural or educational interests, or welfare of the United States. Unlike EB-1A Visas, it is not necessary to demonstrate that the applicant’s work has had a major impact on their field.

14. Is a Labor Certification required to apply for an EB-1B Outstanding Professors and Researchers visa?


No, a Labor Certification is not required for an EB-1B Outstanding Professors and Researchers visa.

15. Are there any restrictions on how many years an individual can remain in the US with an EB-1B Outstanding Professors and Researchers visa?


No, there are no restrictions on how many years an individual can remain in the US with an EB-1B Outstanding Professors and Researchers visa. The visa is valid for an indefinite amount of time and can be renewed indefinitely as long as the individual maintains their status in the US.

16. Can individuals with an EB-1B Outstanding Professors and Researchers visa bring their family members to the US?


Yes, individuals with an EB-1B Outstanding Professors and Researchers visa can bring their family members to the US. The family members should apply for derivative visas, such as the EB-2 visa for immediate family members.

17. Can individuals with an EB-1B Outstanding Professors and Researchers visa apply for US Citizenship?


Yes, individuals with an EB-1B Outstanding Professors and Researchers visa are eligible to apply for US citizenship after meeting the eligibility requirements.

18. Are there any annual quotas or limits on how many people can obtain an EB-1B Outstanding Professors and Researchers visa each year?


Yes, there are annual quotas and limits on how many people can obtain an EB-1B Outstanding Professors and Researchers visa each year. The annual limit for this visa category is 40,000.

19. Are there any special requirements or restrictions on those who have obtained their degrees outside of the US who wish to apply for the EB-1B Outstanding Professors and Researchers Visa?


Yes, there are some special requirements and restrictions for foreign nationals who have obtained their degrees outside of the US who wish to apply for the EB-1B Outstanding Professors and Researchers Visa. The applicant must provide evidence that their foreign degree is equivalent to a US bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the applicant must provide evidence that they have achieved international recognition for their outstanding achievements in their respective field. This can include, but is not limited to, evidence of awards or honors, publications, and research activities.

20. Are there any limits on how many times a person can extend their EB-1B Outstanding Professors and Researchers Visa status in the US?


Yes, there are limits on how many times a person can extend their EB-1B Outstanding Professors and Researchers Visa status in the US. The maximum period of time that an individual can stay in the US on an EB-1B visa is seven years. After that, they must return to their home country for at least one year before reapplying for the visa.