An “Outstanding Researcher or Professor” EB-1(b) petition is for those who are internationally recognized as outstanding in a particular scientific or scholarly field.
There are three (3) main requirements for someone seeking a petition as an “Outstanding Researcher/Professor”, including:
· International recognition as being outstanding in a specific academic field;
· At least three years of relevant research or teaching experience: Research or teaching experience obtained while in pursuit of an advanced degree, such as a Ph.D., can be counted toward the three year requirement, but research or teaching during this time must be recognized as outstanding. The alien must document his/her work history with letters from former employers describing work duties and years of employment; and
· A permanent research or teaching position job offer: Generally, the job offer is given by a university or other similar academic or scientific institution, but it can also be offered by a private employer. If the offer is from a private employer, the employer must have at least three full-time researchers along with accompanying documentation supporting their accomplishments within the field.
As a general rule, all job offers are considered permanent job offers, with the exception of contract positions that specify a certain employment duration. Part-time jobs are considered permanent job offers provided there is no fixed termination date.
As with all first preference petitions, no Labor Certification is required. However, the person seeking permanent residence status on the basis of an EB-1(b) Outstanding Researcher/Professor classification must have the requisite job offer with the employer filing the petition on the alien’s behalf.
To be recognized internationally as an Outstanding Researcher or Professor in his/her field requires at least two (2) of the following types of evidence:
· Receipt of major international prizes or awards for outstanding achievement.
· Membership in associations, which require outstanding achievements of their members. · Published material in professional publications written by others about the alien’s work (more than merely citing the alien’s work).
· Participation as a judge (individually or as a part of a panel) evaluating the work of others.
· Original scientific, scholarly, or artistic contributions in the field.
· Evidence of authorship of scholarly books/articles in journals with an international circulation.
Documents required O.R.:
The petitioner alien must present information that will prove his/her claims. Items that carry substantial weight with the Immigration & Naturalization service include the following:
· Peer-reviewed articles in scholarly journals.
· Entries in a citation index that cite alien’s work as authoritative.
· Participation as a reviewer for peer-reviewed scholarly journals.
· Peer-reviewed presentations at symposia.
· Thesis topic and focus, particularly for Ph.D. candidates.
· Testimonials from scholars describing the alien’s work as authoritative. Recommendation Letters included in the petition and written by either field experts or the petitioning alien should include the following:
· Writers qualifications to issue his/her opinion.
· Alien’s background and achievements.
· Alien possesses unique knowledge, abilities, or experience that sets him/her apart from his/her professional peers.
· Alien will utilize these unique talents in an activity significantly benefiting the U.S. in the future.