What is the EB1-B visa?

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.

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.

The EB1A is for individuals who have achieved extraordinary success in fields such as science, arts, education, business, or athletics. If you can demonstrate top-tier accomplishments and significant recognition globally—like prestigious awards or influential publications—you might qualify for the EB1A. The key advantage of an EB1A visa is that it does not need a specific job offer or employer sponsorship.

Unlike the EB1A, the EB1B is geared towards outstanding professors and researchers. If you’ve made significant contributions to your academic field and have a job offer from a U.S. institution in a tenured or tenure-track position, the EB1B is likely your best option. This visa does require a job offer from a U.S. employer, but it’s ideal if you’re an academic or researcher with a strong track record and a solid job offer.

What are the benefits of the EB1B visa?

The EB1B visa offers faster processing times, and the opportunity for permanent residency.

• 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).
• Rights for Dependents: Your dependents can live with you and have access to the same benefits, including education and healthcare.

Overall, the EB1B visa is a valuable option for exceptional professors and researchers who have a job offer in the U.S. and are looking to make significant contributions to their field while enjoying the benefits of living and working in the U.S.

Chances of Approval for EB1B Visa

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.

EB1B Criteria

• You must be internationally recognized as an outstanding professor or researcher in a specific academic field.
• You must have at least 3 years of experience in teaching or research in that academic area.
• You must be entering the U.S. to pursue a tenured, tenure-track teaching position, or a comparable research position at a university or other institution of higher education.
• The petitioner (institution) must employ at least 3 other researchers or academics to qualify as a petitioner.

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.

What if I don’t have enough evidence for the EB1B Visa?

If you don’t have the exact types of documentation typically required, you can submit other evidence that effectively demonstrates your qualifications and achievements in your field. This can include additional forms of recognition, awards, or proof of your impact and contributions. The key is to show that your evidence supports your extraordinary abilities and aligns with the EB1B criteria.

EB1B Visa Processing Time

Processing time for the EB1B petition usually takes between 6 to 12 months.

EB1B Visa Premium Processing

You can opt for Premium Processing to speed things up to 15 business days for an extra fee of $2,805.

EB1B Visa Costs

Processing time, premium processing, and attorney support can all affect total cost. Premium Processing is available for an extra fee of $2,805.