U.S. Green Card strategy for professors and researchers.
If you are a tenure-track faculty member, a postdoc with a strong publication record, or an industry research scientist, you likely have more Green Card options than you realize — and the right one depends on your publication record, your institution, and where you are in your career.
At Manifest, our attorneys help researchers figure out which path actually fits their record, their timeline, and their tenure clock.
Flat fees with flexible payment plans.
Ex-USCIS officer review available on every plan.
Live case tracking through the Manifest portal.
Deep experience with R1 universities, national labs, and industry research institutes.
*Available as an add-on for the Silver and Gold plans, and automatically included in our Platinum plan
*Representative image - not actual Manifest lawyer or client
*Representative image - not actual Manifest lawyer or client
*Representative image — Not actual Manifest lawyer or client
What Green Card options does a researcher typically have?
The EB-1B is designed for outstanding professors and researchers, and it is the standard path for tenure-track faculty and PIs because it skips PERM, uses academic-friendly evidence, and lines up cleanly with university hiring committees. The EB-1A, the EB-2 NIW, and the EB-2 PERM are also available.
Common starting points for researchers
You are a tenure-track assistant professor, and the university is starting your Green Card.
You are a senior postdoc or research scientist with a strong publication record.
You are an industry research scientist at a national lab or corporate research institute.
*Representative image
Not actual Manifest lawyer or client
Common starting points for researchers
You are a tenure-track assistant professor, and the university is starting your Green Card.
You are a senior postdoc or research scientist with a strong publication record.
You are an industry research scientist at a national lab or corporate research institute.
What Green Card options does a researcher typically have?
The EB-1B is designed for outstanding professors and researchers, and it is the standard path for tenure-track faculty and PIs because it skips PERM, uses academic-friendly evidence, and lines up cleanly with university hiring committees. The EB-1A, the EB-2 NIW, and the EB-2 PERM are also available.
*Representative image
Not actual Manifest lawyer or client
Common starting points for researchers
You are a tenure-track assistant professor, and the university is starting your Green Card.
You are a senior postdoc or research scientist with a strong publication record.
You are an industry research scientist at a national lab or corporate research institute.
What Green Card options does a researcher typically have?
The EB-1B is designed for outstanding professors and researchers, and it is the standard path for tenure-track faculty and PIs because it skips PERM, uses academic-friendly evidence, and lines up cleanly with university hiring committees. The EB-1A, the EB-2 NIW, and the EB-2 PERM are also available.
Your Green Card options
Your Green Card options
Your Green Card options
EB-1B — Outstanding Professor or Researcher
For tenure-track faculty, PIs, and senior researchers at universities or qualifying institutions. The EB-1B is the headline option for academic and research talent. It is employer-petitioned, so your institution files it, but it skips PERM entirely. To qualify, you need at least 3 years of teaching or research experience in your field, a job offer for a tenured, tenure-track, or permanent research position, and the job must be at a university, accredited institution, or a private employer with a research division that has at least 3 full-time researchers and a real track record in the field.
EB-1B — Outstanding Professor or Researcher
For tenure-track faculty, PIs, and senior researchers at universities or qualifying institutions. The EB-1B is the headline option for academic and research talent. It is employer-petitioned, so your institution files it, but it skips PERM entirely. To qualify, you need at least 3 years of teaching or research experience in your field, a job offer for a tenured, tenure-track, or permanent research position, and the job must be at a university, accredited institution, or a private employer with a research division that has at least 3 full-time researchers and a real track record in the field.
Outstanding Professor or Researcher
EB-1B
For tenure-track faculty, PIs, and senior researchers at universities or qualifying institutions. The EB-1B is the headline option for academic and research talent. It is employer-petitioned, so your institution files it, but it skips PERM entirely. To qualify, you need at least 3 years of teaching or research experience in your field, a job offer for a tenured, tenure-track, or permanent research position, and the job must be at a university, accredited institution, or a private employer with a research division that has at least 3 full-time researchers and a real track record in the field.
EB-1A — Extraordinary Ability, Self-Petition
For researchers with national or international recognition, with no employer required. The EB-1A works best when you have strong public proof of expertise — highly cited papers, major grants, society awards, plenary talks, or editorial roles. You self-petition, so you control the timeline and are not tied to your current institution.
EB-1A — Extraordinary Ability, Self-Petition
For researchers with national or international recognition, with no employer required. The EB-1A works best when you have strong public proof of expertise — highly cited papers, major grants, society awards, plenary talks, or editorial roles. You self-petition, so you control the timeline and are not tied to your current institution.
Outstanding Professor or Researcher
EB-1B
For researchers with national or international recognition, with no employer required. The EB-1A works best when you have strong public proof of expertise — highly cited papers, major grants, society awards, plenary talks, or editorial roles. You self-petition, so you control the timeline and are not tied to your current institution.
EB-2 NIW — National Interest Waiver, Self-Petition
For researchers whose work clearly benefits the U.S., without meeting the EB-1A bar. The EB-2 NIW is the best fit for postdocs and early-career researchers whose work is clearly in the national interest — climate, public health, AI safety, defense, energy — but who do not yet have an EB-1A record.
EB-2 NIW — National Interest Waiver, Self-Petition
For researchers whose work clearly benefits the U.S., without meeting the EB-1A bar. The EB-2 NIW is the best fit for postdocs and early-career researchers whose work is clearly in the national interest — climate, public health, AI safety, defense, energy — but who do not yet have an EB-1A record.
Outstanding Professor or Researcher
EB-1B
For researchers whose work clearly benefits the U.S., without meeting the EB-1A bar. The EB-2 NIW is the best fit for postdocs and early-career researchers whose work is clearly in the national interest — climate, public health, AI safety, defense, energy — but who do not yet have an EB-1A record.
Why clients trust Manifest's immigration lawyers
Here is what our clients get on every Manifest case.
Why clients trust Manifest's immigration lawyers
Here is what our clients get on every Manifest case.
Why clients trust Manifest's immigration lawyers
Here is what our clients get on every Manifest case.
01
Available as an add-on for Silver and Gold plans, and automatically included in the Platinum plan. An attorney with USCIS adjudication experience reviews your petition before it leaves our office.
Ex-USCIS officer review
02
One price, quoted upfront on your strategy call. We do not bill by the hour. Payment plans are available.
Flat fees, no surprises
03
The Manifest portal shows every status update, every document, and your next step in real time.
Live case tracking
04
We plan around tenure clocks, semester start dates, conference cycles, and grant deadlines. The attorney reviewing your file will already understand what a strong h-index, an NSF CAREER award, or an editorial board seat actually means for your case.
Built around your calendar
05
If conditions are met and your visa isn't approved, you get a refund of all or part of your legal fees.
Money back guarantee
01
Available as an add-on for Silver and Gold plans, and automatically included in the Platinum plan. An attorney with USCIS adjudication experience reviews your petition before it leaves our office.
Ex-USCIS officer review
02
One price, quoted upfront on your strategy call. We do not bill by the hour. Payment plans are available.
Flat fees, no surprises
03
The Manifest portal shows every status update, every document, and your next step in real time.
Live case tracking
04
We plan around tenure clocks, semester start dates, conference cycles, and grant deadlines. The attorney reviewing your file will already understand what a strong h-index, an NSF CAREER award, or an editorial board seat actually means for your case.
Built around your calendar
05
If conditions are met and your visa isn't approved, you get a refund of all or part of your legal fees.
Money back guarantee
01
Available as an add-on for Silver and Gold plans, and automatically included in the Platinum plan. An attorney with USCIS adjudication experience reviews your petition before it leaves our office.
Ex-USCIS officer review
02
One price, quoted upfront on your strategy call. We do not bill by the hour. Payment plans are available.
Flat fees, no surprises
03
The Manifest portal shows every status update, every document, and your next step in real time.
Live case tracking
04
We plan around tenure clocks, semester start dates, conference cycles, and grant deadlines. The attorney reviewing your file will already understand what a strong h-index, an NSF CAREER award, or an editorial board seat actually means for your case.
Built around your calendar
05
If conditions are met and your visa isn't approved, you get a refund of all or part of your legal fees.
Money back guarantee*
*Read terms and conditions here. Only available for select plans.
*Read terms and conditions here. Only available for select plans.
*Read terms and conditions here. Only available for select plans.
Client stories
Very professional, Simon and Dan responded to my clarifications with satisfaction. prepared my case with detailed documentation and got my approval from USCIS. Highly recommended for individuals looking for GC process under employment-based category
Gurinder Singh
I have worked with Dan and Simon directly, and my experience has been like no other. It feels like I'm talking with actual people who care about my case. Any questions I had, they were happy to assist me with in a very short time and make sure everything was clear before moving on to the next thing. I will definitely be working with them again in the future.
Sandra Rocha
I had an amazing experience with Manifest Law from the first intake interview, through a fast and professional process of working on the file, to a straightforward approval of my case. Catlea Bobis is a superstar attorney, and I recommend everyone considering trusting your case to professional support like I had with Catlea and the entire team at Manifest Law.
Irina Batukhtina
*Prior results do not guarantee future outcomes.
*Prior results do not guarantee future outcomes.
/FAQS
/FAQS
Common questions researchers ask about Green Card options
Common questions researchers ask about Green Card options
Which option leads to a Green Card fastest?
Which option leads to a Green Card fastest?
Which option leads to a Green Card fastest?
Which option gives me the most flexibility?
Which option gives me the most flexibility?
Which option gives me the most flexibility?
Do I need an employer sponsor for any of these?
Do I need an employer sponsor for any of these?
Do I need an employer sponsor for any of these?
What if I do not qualify for the EB-1B yet?
What if I do not qualify for the EB-1B yet?
What if I do not qualify for the EB-1B yet?
Can I pursue more than one of these at the same time?
Can I pursue more than one of these at the same time?
Can I pursue more than one of these at the same time?
How much does the whole process cost end to end?
How much does the whole process cost end to end?
How much does the whole process cost end to end?
/Let’s Begin
Your Path Forward
Starts Here.
Filing your own EB-1A keeps your Green Card on your timeline, not the university's. A 30-minute strategy call with a Manifest attorney can map your full Green Card strategy, including which path fits, what evidence you will need, and a realistic timeline.
Your Path Forward
Starts Here.
Filing your own EB-1A keeps your Green Card on your timeline, not the university's. A 30-minute strategy call with a Manifest attorney can map your full Green Card strategy, including which path fits, what evidence you will need, and a realistic timeline.
Your Path Forward
Starts Here.
Filing your own EB-1A keeps your Green Card on your timeline, not the university's. A 30-minute strategy call with a Manifest attorney can map your full Green Card strategy, including which path fits, what evidence you will need, and a realistic timeline.
Other Services
+1 212 246 6212
(please text us)
press@manifestlaw.com
(For press inquiries and official
media requests)
help@manifestlaw.com
(For potential clients with consultation and visa inquiries)
support@manifestlaw.com
(For existing clients with case, billing, and portal inquiries)
compliance@manifestlaw.com
(for any complaints or concerns)
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Attorney Advertising: This website is intended for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and is no substitute for consulting a licensed attorney. Only an attorney can provide you with legal advice, and only after considering your specific facts and circumstances. You should not act on any information on this website without first seeking the advice of an attorney. Manifest Law is an association of lawyers and legal entities that have agreed to do business under a common name, which includes Manifest Legal Services LLC, Manifest Legal Solutions LLC and Manifest Law PLLC. Manifest Legal Services LLC is an Arizona ABS regulated by the Supreme Court of Arizona. The use of the name “Manifest Law” does not imply that all lawyers or legal entities within the Manifest Law family are part of a single partnership or that they are responsible for the acts or omissions of each other. Any specific attorney-client engagement, the scope of any such attorney-client relationship, and the legal responsibility for any such engagement will be set forth in the retainer agreement entered into between the client and the relevant Manifest Law attorney(s). All legal services are conducted by licensed immigration professionals. This website is regulated by the Arizona Rules of Professional Conduct.
2026 Copyright held by Manifest Legal Tech, Inc.
Other Services
+1 212 246 6212
(please text us)
press@manifestlaw.com
(For press inquiries and official
media requests)
help@manifestlaw.com
(for prospective clients and general inquiries)
support@manifestlaw.com
(For existing clients with case, billing, and portal inquiries)
compliance@manifestlaw.com
(for any complaints or concerns)
Manifest Law
2550 W. Union Hills Dr
Suite 350
Phoenix AZ 85027
Manifest Tech
902 Broadway
8th Floor
New York NY 10010
Attorney Advertising: This website is intended for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and is no substitute for consulting a licensed attorney. Only an attorney can provide you with legal advice, and only after considering your specific facts and circumstances. You should not act on any information on this website without first seeking the advice of an attorney. Manifest Law is an association of lawyers and legal entities that have agreed to do business under a common name, which includes Manifest Legal Services LLC, Manifest Legal Solutions LLC and Manifest Law PLLC. Manifest Legal Services LLC is an Arizona ABS regulated by the Supreme Court of Arizona. The use of the name “Manifest Law” does not imply that all lawyers or legal entities within the Manifest Law family are part of a single partnership or that they are responsible for the acts or omissions of each other. Any specific attorney-client engagement, the scope of any such attorney-client relationship, and the legal responsibility for any such engagement will be set forth in the retainer agreement entered into between the client and the relevant Manifest Law attorney(s). All legal services are conducted by licensed immigration professionals. This website is regulated by the Arizona Rules of Professional Conduct.
2026 Copyright held by Manifest Legal Tech, Inc.
Other Services
+1 212 246 6212
(please text us)
press@manifestlaw.com
(For press inquiries and official
media requests)
help@manifestlaw.com
(For potential clients with consultation and visa inquiries)
support@manifestlaw.com
(For existing clients with case, billing, and portal inquiries)
compliance@manifestlaw.com
(for any complaints or concerns)
Manifest Tech
902 Broadway
8th Floor
New York NY 10010
Manifest Law
2550 W. Union Hills Dr
Suite 350
Phoenix AZ 85027
Attorney Advertising: This website is intended for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and is no substitute for consulting a licensed attorney. Only an attorney can provide you with legal advice, and only after considering your specific facts and circumstances. You should not act on any information on this website without first seeking the advice of an attorney. Manifest Law is an association of lawyers and legal entities that have agreed to do business under a common name, which includes Manifest Legal Services LLC, Manifest Legal Solutions LLC and Manifest Law PLLC. Manifest Legal Services LLC is an Arizona ABS regulated by the Supreme Court of Arizona. The use of the name “Manifest Law” does not imply that all lawyers or legal entities within the Manifest Law family are part of a single partnership or that they are responsible for the acts or omissions of each other. Any specific attorney-client engagement, the scope of any such attorney-client relationship, and the legal responsibility for any such engagement will be set forth in the retainer agreement entered into between the client and the relevant Manifest Law attorney(s). All legal services are conducted by licensed immigration professionals. This website is regulated by the Arizona Rules of Professional Conduct.
2026 Copyright held by Manifest Legal Tech, Inc.
+1 212 246 6212
(please text us)
press@manifestlaw.com
(For press inquiries and official
media requests)
help@manifestlaw.com
(For potential clients with consultation and visa inquiries)
support@manifestlaw.com
(For existing clients with case, billing, and portal inquiries)
compliance@manifestlaw.com
(for any complaints or concerns)
Manifest Tech
902 Broadway
8th Floor
New York NY 10010
Manifest Law
2550 W. Union Hills Dr
Suite 350
Phoenix AZ 85027
Attorney Advertising: This website is intended for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and is no substitute for consulting a licensed attorney. Only an attorney can provide you with legal advice, and only after considering your specific facts and circumstances. You should not act on any information on this website without first seeking the advice of an attorney. Manifest Law is an association of lawyers and legal entities that have agreed to do business under a common name, which includes Manifest Legal Services LLC, Manifest Legal Solutions LLC and Manifest Law PLLC. Manifest Legal Services LLC is an Arizona ABS regulated by the Supreme Court of Arizona. The use of the name “Manifest Law” does not imply that all lawyers or legal entities within the Manifest Law family are part of a single partnership or that they are responsible for the acts or omissions of each other. Any specific attorney-client engagement, the scope of any such attorney-client relationship, and the legal responsibility for any such engagement will be set forth in the retainer agreement entered into between the client and the relevant Manifest Law attorney(s). All legal services are conducted by licensed immigration professionals. This website is regulated by the Arizona Rules of Professional Conduct.
2026 Copyright held by Manifest Legal Tech, Inc.
+1 212 246 6212
(please text us)
press@manifestlaw.com
(For press inquiries and official
media requests)
help@manifestlaw.com
(For potential clients with consultation and visa inquiries)
support@manifestlaw.com
(For existing clients with case, billing, and portal inquiries)
compliance@manifestlaw.com
(for any complaints or concerns)
Manifest Tech
902 Broadway
8th Floor
New York NY 10010
Manifest Law
2550 W. Union Hills Dr
Suite 350
Phoenix AZ 85027
Attorney Advertising: This website is intended for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and is no substitute for consulting a licensed attorney. Only an attorney can provide you with legal advice, and only after considering your specific facts and circumstances. You should not act on any information on this website without first seeking the advice of an attorney. Manifest Law is an association of lawyers and legal entities that have agreed to do business under a common name, which includes Manifest Legal Services LLC, Manifest Legal Solutions LLC and Manifest Law PLLC. Manifest Legal Services LLC is an Arizona ABS regulated by the Supreme Court of Arizona. The use of the name “Manifest Law” does not imply that all lawyers or legal entities within the Manifest Law family are part of a single partnership or that they are responsible for the acts or omissions of each other. Any specific attorney-client engagement, the scope of any such attorney-client relationship, and the legal responsibility for any such engagement will be set forth in the retainer agreement entered into between the client and the relevant Manifest Law attorney(s). All legal services are conducted by licensed immigration professionals. This website is regulated by the Arizona Rules of Professional Conduct.
2026 Copyright held by Manifest Legal Tech, Inc.