The EB-1B Visa Explained

Every year, accomplished academics and researchers around the world look for paths that recognize their work while allowing them to live and contribute permanently in the United States. For many, the EB‑1B visa offers exactly that opportunity, an option designed specifically for those whose teaching or research has earned international distinction.

The EB‑1B visa, formally known as the Outstanding Professors and Researchers category, allows qualified scholars to obtain U.S. permanent residence based on their established record of excellence and a permanent job offer from a university or research institution.

This guide explains who qualifies, what evidence is required, and how to navigate each step of the EB‑1B process, from employer sponsorship and petition filing to final green card approval.

What is the EB-1B visa?

The EB-1B is one of three subcategories within the first preference employment-based immigrant classification (EB-1). It's specifically reserved for outstanding professors and researchers who have gained international recognition in their academic fields and are coming to the United States for a tenured, tenure-track, or comparable research position.

Unlike temporary work visas such as the H-1B, the EB-1B leads directly to a green card (lawful permanent residence). This makes it particularly valuable for academics who want to build long-term careers in the United States without the uncertainty of visa renewals or status changes.

The category serves universities, research institutions, and private employers who need to hire internationally recognized talent for permanent positions. For qualifying candidates, it offers one of the fastest employment-based pathways to permanent residence, bypassing the labor certification process that slows down most other employment-based green card categories.

What makes the EB-1B distinctive is its focus on demonstrated achievement rather than potential. You must already have established your reputation through publications, awards, or other evidence of international acclaim before applying.

EB‑1B visa eligibility

To qualify, both you and your U.S. employer must meet specific requirements established by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) under 8 CFR § 204.5(i).

Many EB‑1B applicants also qualify for other employment‑based options such as the EB‑3 Visa, which supports skilled workers and professionals pursuing permanent roles in the United States.

Dependents and family eligibility

Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 may apply for EB‑1B derivative status (E‑14 for spouses, E‑15 for children). They can:

• Live and study in the United States
• Apply for work authorization using Form I‑765 once the adjustment of status is pending
• Travel internationally using Advance Parole during green card processing

Family petitions are usually filed at the same time as your I‑485 application or shortly afterward. Their approval depends on your principal petition’s status and priority date.

Because evidence requirements and timing can be complex, many applicants seek professional help to coordinate documentation and dependent filings.

Employer and job offer requirements

Before you can apply under the EB‑1B category, your U.S. employer must meet specific sponsorship standards and offer a qualifying position. The government uses these requirements to ensure that the organization is legitimate, the job offer is permanent, and the role truly aligns with your academic or research expertise.

• You need a permanent job offer from a U.S. university, institution of higher education, or private employer with a qualified research department.
• The position must be tenured, tenure‑track, or comparable to permanent research employment.
• The U.S. employer acts as the petitioner by filing Form I‑140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker).
• The employer must demonstrate its ability to pay the offered wage through financial documentation such as tax returns or audited statements.

Academic and research achievement

You must show international recognition in your academic field and at least three years of teaching or research experience after earning your advanced degree.
Evidence must include documentation in at least two of six categories defined by USCIS:

Strong petitions include multiple forms of corroborating evidence such as citation records, peer‑review invitations, editorial board appointments, and letters from recognized experts.

Continuous employment in your field

You must be entering the United States to continue teaching or conducting research in the same area of recognized expertise that forms the basis of your EB‑1B eligibility. The position offered must reflect your established academic or investigative specialization—typically through ongoing funded research, publications, or projects that demonstrate a sustained record in your discipline.

Your petition must include a formal job offer letter issued on institutional letterhead that clearly outlines your title, department, research or teaching responsibilities, reporting structure, and terms of employment. USCIS uses this letter to confirm that the role is permanent in nature (tenured, tenure‑track, or long‑term research) and aligned with your prior academic record.

Supporting evidence usually includes prior employment verification, current research project descriptions, grant funding documentation, and letters from department chairs or supervisors linking your ongoing work to your documented achievements.

Once you verify that both your credentials and your U.S. employer’s offer satisfy these continuity requirements, you can proceed to prepare the petition package for filing.

How to apply for an EB‑1B visa

The EB‑1B process involves two main stages: the employer’s immigrant petition and your green card application.

Step 1: Employer files Form I‑140

Your U.S. employer submits Form I‑140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) to USCIS with supporting documentation proving both the institution’s qualifications and your credentials.
The petition must include:

• Evidence of the employer’s ongoing research or academic activity
• Documentation of your achievements meeting at least two of the six USCIS criteria
• Letters from recognized experts confirming your international reputation
• Proof of at least three years of teaching or research experience
• The official job offer letter

USCIS evaluates the petition under 8 CFR § 204.5(i)(3) standards for “outstanding professors and researchers.”

Important note: EB‑1B petitions require a permanent job offer from a qualifying employer. Self‑petitioning is not permitted.

Step 2: USCIS adjudication

USCIS reviews the petition and may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) if additional documentation is needed.
Typical processing time ranges from five to ten months, depending on the service center. Employers may request premium processing for $2,805, which guarantees a decision within 15 calendar days.

If approved, USCIS issues a Form I‑797 Approval Notice, establishing your priority date for permanent residence.

Step 3: Apply for permanent residence

Once the I‑140 is approved and your priority date is current on the Department of State Visa Bulletin, you can apply for your green card through adjustment of status or consular processing.

• Adjustment of Status (Form I‑485): For applicants already in the U.S. in lawful status
• Consular Processing: For applicants outside the U.S., handled through a U.S. embassy or consulate

During this stage, you may also file for Employment Authorization (Form I‑765) and Advance Parole (Form I‑131) to work and travel while your green card application is pending.

Understanding timing and costs helps you plan your transition to permanent residence effectively.

EB‑1B visa processing time and fees

Once your petition and supporting documents are filed, the next crucial factors to consider are how long the process takes and what costs are involved. Understanding these timelines and fees helps you plan ahead, manage expectations, and avoid delays in your move toward permanent residence.

Typical processing time

Processing times can vary significantly depending on whether your application is filed through USCIS within the United States or through consular channels abroad. The table below outlines the average duration for each stage of the EB‑1B process.

Always confirm current rates and filing categories before submitting your petition.

Government filing fees (as of 2025)

• Form I‑140: $715
• Premium processing (optional): $2,805
• Form I‑485: $1,440 (includes biometrics)
• Medical examination and supporting documentation: approximately $300–$600

Employers often pay the I‑140 filing fee, while applicants typically cover I‑485 and related costs. Always confirm current rates on the USCIS filing fees page.

After understanding the costs and timing, it helps to compare EB‑1B with other employment‑based categories to determine the best route to permanent residence.

EB‑1B vs. EB‑1A and related categories

Within the EB‑1 first‑preference category, there are three subgroups: EB‑1A for individuals with extraordinary ability, EB‑1B for outstanding professors and researchers, and EB‑1C for multinational executives or managers. While these classifications share priority processing and exemption from labor certification, they differ in who qualifies, what evidence is required, and whether employer sponsorship is needed. Understanding these distinctions helps you determine which path best matches your background and long‑term immigration goals.

EB‑1A (Extraordinary Ability) vs. EB‑1B (Outstanding Professor/Researcher)

The EB‑1A and EB‑1B categories both recognize international achievement but apply to distinct applicant profiles. EB‑1A targets individuals who have reached the top of their field—scientists, artists, business leaders, and athletes—who can demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim and may self‑petition without a job offer. EB‑1B, by contrast, is limited to academics and researchers with proven excellence in teaching or research, requiring both a qualified U.S. employer and a permanent position in their field of expertise.

EB‑1B vs. EB‑2 (Advanced Degree or Exceptional Ability)

While both EB‑1B and EB‑2 categories grant permanent residence based on professional or academic merit, they serve distinct applicant profiles and follow very different procedures.

• EB‑2 petitions generally require PERM Labor Certification from the Department of Labor to prove no qualified U.S. workers are available.
• EB‑1B petitions bypass PERM, significantly reducing total processing time.
• EB‑1 categories receive higher priority in the Visa Bulletin, often resulting in faster green card availability.

If you qualify under EB‑1B standards, your employer avoids PERM delays, making it one of the quickest employment‑based pathways to permanent residence.

Choosing the right support partner

The EB‑1B process requires precise coordination across multiple filings: Form I‑140, supporting evidence of academic distinction, and family‑based applications. Each submission must meet strict evidentiary standards and align with institutional credentials. Timing, documentation, and agency coordination can create challenges for both employers and candidates.

Lighthouse simplifies this process through eligibility diagnostics, documentation planning, and expert legal review to ensure your I‑140 submission meets USCIS criteria. Our case managers and technology coordinate dependents, deadlines, and filings across agencies for a seamless transition to permanent residence. Start your green card evaluation today.

Frequently asked questions

What is an EB‑1B visa?

The EB‑1B is a first‑preference employment‑based immigrant category for outstanding professors and researchers recognized internationally for their academic achievements. It provides a direct route to a U.S. green card without the PERM Labor Certification process.

Who is eligible for the EB‑1B category?

You must hold a permanent job offer from a U.S. university or qualified research institution and demonstrate at least three years of teaching or research experience plus evidence of international recognition through awards, publications, or similar accomplishments. Your employer must file Form I‑140 on your behalf.

Does EB‑1B require a job offer?

Yes. EB‑1B petitions must be employer‑sponsored. The employer files Form I‑140 and provides documentation showing the position is tenured, tenure‑track, or permanent research employment.

Is the EB‑1B hard to get?

Approval depends on the strength of your evidence showing international acclaim. Applicants with peer‑reviewed publications, major awards, or significant research contributions often have strong success rates. Well‑organized documentation and expert reference letters improve outcomes.

How does EB‑1B differ from EB‑1A?

EB‑1A allows self‑petition and covers a broader range of fields, while EB‑1B is limited to academia and research and requires employer sponsorship. EB‑1A demands proof of sustained national or international acclaim across at least three criteria.

Do I need a lawyer for EB‑1B?

Legal representation is not mandatory but highly recommended. Experienced professionals can help align your evidence with USCIS standards, prepare expert reference letters, and reduce the risk of Requests for Evidence or denials. Professionals in startup, creative, or scientific fields who demonstrate exceptional ability may also be eligible under the O‑1B Visa, which recognizes outstanding achievement across the arts and related disciplines.