Employment-based immigration
EB1B Visa Guide: Everything You Need To Know
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the EB1B visa. From understanding the requirements and enhancing your chances of approval to navigating processing times and costs, we’ve got you covered.
By:
Chelsea Spinos
Reviewer:
Simon Craven, Esq.
10 min read • Aug 27, 2024
Key takeaways
The EB1B visa is for outstanding professors and researchers who are internationally recognized in their field. You need at least 3 years of experience and a job offer from a U.S. academic or research institution for a tenured, tenure-track, or similar teaching or research role.
An institution petitioning for an EB1B applicant must employ at least 3 other researchers or academics to qualify as a petitioner.
The EB1B visa boasts a high approval rate of around 92%, making it a strong option for qualified academics and researchers.
To qualify, you must show evidence of achievements in at least two of the following areas: major awards, membership in top associations, published work about your research, judging experience, original research, or authorship of scholarly books or articles.
Processing time for the EB1B petition usually takes between 6 to 12 months. You can opt for Premium Processing to speed things up to 15 business days for an extra fee of $2,805.
Working with an experienced immigration lawyer can boost your chances of approval. Manifest Law offers EB1B visa services with flexible payment plans and a visa-approved or money-back guarantee.
Ready to bring your top-notch research or teaching expertise to the U.S.? The EB1B might be the ideal visa option for you. The EB1-B is designed for exceptional professors and researchers who have made noteworthy contributions to their fields. The EB1B highlights your scholarly accomplishments and requires a job offer from a U.S. employer for a tenured, tenure-track, or equivalent research role.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the EB1B visa. From understanding the requirements and enhancing your chances of approval to navigating processing times and costs, we’ve got you covered.
The EB1B visa is a pathway for exceptional professors and researchers to work and live in the U.S. It’s specifically designed for individuals who have demonstrated outstanding achievements in their fields and have a job offer from a U.S. employer.
To qualify, you need to demonstrate a track record of excellence, such as major awards or notable research, and have a position lined up with a U.S. institution or organization.
Career Growth: The EB1B visa enables you to advance your academic career in the U.S., opening up new opportunities for research and teaching. Remember, in order to qualify for the EB1B, you need a job offer from a U.S. research or academic institution.
Faster Processing Times: As part of the “Employment-Based First Preference” category, the EB1B benefits from expedited processing compared to other visa types, which can lead to quicker approval times.
Pathway to Green Card: The EB1B visa is a step towards permanent residency (a green card).
Family Benefits: Your immediate family—including your spouse and children under 21—can also come with you to the U.S. and enjoy access to education and healthcare.
Career Growth: The EB1B visa enables you to advance your academic career in the U.S., opening up new opportunities for research and teaching.
Rights for Dependents: Your dependents can live with you and have access to the same benefits, including education and healthcare.
Keep in mind: the EB1B is a prestigious Green Card type and there is always a chance of receiving a Request for Evidence (RFE) from USCIS
Not sure if you’re eligible for EB1B?
Book a free consultation with Manifest Law. Our team will ensure you meet the eligibility requirements and help you gather evidence needed.
International Recognition: You must be recognized internationally as an outstanding researcher or professor in your field.
Experience: You should have at least three years of experience in teaching or conducting research in your academic area.
Job Offer: You need a job offer in the U.S. for a tenure, tenure-track position, or a similar permanent research role. Alternatively, a position with a private, qualifying employer that offers long-term, permanent employment will also work.
To prove you meet the requirements, you must also provide at least two of the following types of evidence:
Major Awards: Show proof of any prestigious awards or major prizes you’ve won for your exceptional achievements.
Membership in Prestigious Associations: Provide evidence of your membership in professional associations that require outstanding accomplishments for entry.
Published Material: Include articles or reviews written by others about your work, published in respected professional journals or media.
Judging Experience: Document your experience as a judge or panelist evaluating the work of others in your field or a related area.
Original Research Contributions: Provide evidence of original scientific or scholarly research that you’ve conducted.
Authorship: Share proof of your authorship of internationally circulated scholarly books or articles.
Manifest Tip: Add letters from experts in your field that highlight your academic achievements and original contributions. These testimonials can boost your application by showcasing your impact and expertise.
EB1B Criteria
International Recognition as an Outstanding Researcher or Professor
Three Years Minimum of Teaching or Research in Your Field
Job Offer in the U.S.
Major Prizes or Awards for Outstanding Achievement
Membership in Prestigious Associations
Published Material in Professional Publications Written by Others About Your Work
Individual or Panel Participation as a Judge of Others' Work
Evidence of Original Scientific or Scholarly Research
Authorship in Internationally Circulated Scholarly Books and Articles
Evidence of Leading or Critical Roles in Prominent Organizations
Comparable Evidence
Evidence of prestigious awards or honors from reputable organizations, significant invitations to speak at international conferences, or notable collaborations with renowned experts.
Documentation of related work experience, such as contracts or employment records, that show at least three years of significant teaching or research, even if not directly in academia.
Evidence of a long-term research position or a similar role in a private or academic institution, including job descriptions, letters of intent, or formal employment offers indicating an expectation of permanent employment.
Proof of significant recognitions or honors that are not necessarily international but are well-regarded in your field or country. This could include major national awards or acknowledgments.
Membership in other high-regard professional organizations that might not be globally known but are prestigious in your field, including detailed descriptions of the membership criteria.
Articles or reviews from reputable sources discussing your work, even if not in top-tier journals. This can include media coverage or influential blog posts by recognized figures in your field.
Proof of your role as a reviewer or evaluator for less formal but respected panels, grants, or awards. This could include invitations or records from national or regional review boards.
Documentation of significant research contributions that have had an impact on your field, including patents, innovative methodologies, or influential research reports.
Evidence of authorship in well-regarded but not necessarily internationally circulated journals or books, including research reports or articles in influential but less widely distributed publications.
Documentation showing leadership or critical roles in notable but smaller or emerging organizations, including project leadership roles or significant contributions to important initiatives.
Manifest Law©️. Learn more on www.manifestlaw.com
Not sure if you’re eligible for EB1B?
Book a free consultation with Manifest Law. Our team will ensure you meet the eligibility requirements and help you gather evidence needed.
Most Organizations
Organizations with 25 or fewer employees
Nonprofits
I-140 Fee
$715
$715
$715
Asylum Program Fee
$600
$300
N/A
TOTAL
$1,315
$1,015
$715
Manifest Law©️. Learn more on www.manifestlaw.com
Handling an EB1B visa application comes with challenges. The process is intricate and time-consuming, and navigating it without expert help can be daunting. You might struggle with specific requirements and miss out on the personalized support that an experienced immigration lawyer can offer.
Partnering with a skilled immigration attorney can make a significant difference in your application’s success. At Manifest Law, we’re here to guide you through every step, ensuring your EB1B application is robust and well-prepared.
We offer flexible payment plans of up to 6 months and provide a visa-approved or money-back guarantee (terms apply). Contact us today for a free consultation and see how we can help you maximize your chance of securing an EB1B visa.
How difficult is it to get EB1B?
Securing an EB1B visa can be challenging, but it is definitely attainable with the right approach. The process is competitive and requires you to show that you’re an exceptional professor or researcher with a strong history of significant achievements.
According to recent USCIS data, the EB1B has a solid approval rate of about 92%. Although the process can seem complex, partnering with an experienced immigration attorney can help streamline the process and enhance your chances of success.
Which is better: EB1A vs EB1B?
Choosing between the EB1A and EB1B visas depends on your situation and career goals. The EB1A visa is ideal if you have extraordinary abilities in your field and don’t need a specific job offer. It’s more flexible but requires you to demonstrate your achievements independently. On the other hand, the EB1B is better suited if you’re an outstanding professor or researcher with a job offer in the U.S. It focuses on your professional accomplishments within academia or research and generally has a higher approval rate if you meet the criteria.
Are there any specific fields or disciplines that are preferred for the EB1B visa?
The EB1B is open to all academic and research fields. There is no preference for specific disciplines; what matters is demonstrating outstanding achievements and contributions in your particular area. Whether you’re in the sciences, humanities, engineering, or any other field, you can qualify as long as you meet the criteria and provide compelling evidence of your expertise and impact.
How does USCIS determine if my research qualifies as “original” for the EB1B visa?
Original research is typically characterized by groundbreaking ideas, innovative methodologies, or findings that have advanced the knowledge in your discipline. Providing detailed documentation of how your work differs from existing research and its influence on your field can help demonstrate its originality.
Can I use awards from my home country to support my EB1B application?
Yes, awards from your home country can support your EB1B application, as long as they are significant and relevant to your field.
Is it necessary to have a specific number of citations for published research?
There isn’t a set number of citations required for the EB1B visa, but having a substantial number can strengthen your application. Having a notable number of citations can help validate your contributions and expertise.
What should I do if I receive a Request for Evidence (RFE) for my EB1B application?
If you receive a Request for Evidence (RFE), don’t worry—it's a common part of the process. Carefully review the RFE notice to understand what additional information or documentation is needed. Respond promptly and thoroughly with the requested details to strengthen your application. If you’re unsure how to address the RFE, consider consulting with an immigration attorney who can help you prepare a strong response and improve your chances of approval.
In this blog article:
EB1B Criteria
