Outstanding Professor or Researcher Visas

The EB-1b: Outstanding Researcher or Professor Visas

The EB-1B “Outstanding Researcher or Outstanding Professor” (OR) program allows nationally and internationally recognized researchers, scientists and university professors a “fast track” process for obtaining Green Card status in the United States. This visa program has several important benefits:

·         A permanent job offer is required;

·         Employer sponsorship is required;

·         No prior approval from the Department of Labor is required;

·         No newspaper advertising for the position is required;

·         Allows for change of employer in some circumstances.

Baurkot & Baurkot regularly assists foreign professors, scientists, and researchers prepare and file comprehensive EB-1 OR immigrant visa applications.

This employment based immigrant visa has several important qualifying criteria and limitations to be considered before seeking this status.

As an advanced degree alien working at a public or private institution, the foreign researcher, scientist or professor may apply for an immigrant classification under this program if he or she meets the following two part test.

Outstanding Work in the Field

An essential requirement of this program is the demonstration to the satisfaction of CIS that the expert is recognized internationally as being “outstanding” in the field or area of study.

Generally, this recognition as being “outstanding” in the field is demonstrated by such evidence as authorship/co-authorship of original articles, memberships in industry organizations, citation of his or her work by other scientists, receipt of national or international awards, service as judge/reviewer of the work of another in the field, and presentations at national and international conferences or seminars.

This program is properly reserved for only highly experienced Researchers, Scientists, R&D Engineers, and Professors. And while not part of the regulations, our firm always provides the CIS with testimonials from numerous independent experts specifically addressing the high professional standing and regard of the Applicant in the field.  

Offer of Employment

Unlike the other specialized programs open to scientists, researchers and professors, this program does require a permanent “offer of employment.”  The rules allow three different types of a “job offer” to qualify under the program: (1) a tenured position;  (2) a tenure-track position; or (3) a position with an indefinite or unlimited duration with an expectation of continued employment.

It is important to note that each of the four CIS Regional Service Centers have their own interpretation of this criteria and different evidentiary requirements; failure to meet this burden in the initial petition will result in overall petition denial. In general, however, the offer of employment is confirmed by submitting a copy of the employment, or a verification of employment letter from the Department Chair, the Principle Investigator, or the Human Resources Department.

Call Baurkot & Baurkot at (888) 440-4-USA for more information.