Can I hold a temporary associate researcher position for an EB-1B petition?

Probably not, at least not in the way that role is typically structured. The EB-1B requires the sponsoring institution to offer a research or teaching position that is permanent or long-term in nature, and a position explicitly described as temporary tends not to meet that requirement.

The logic of this category is to attract outstanding researchers and professors who will make an ongoing contribution to the institution. For that reason, the job offer must convey stability and continuity, not a transient arrangement.

• The focus is on the permanent or long-term nature of the position, not merely the job title.
• A short-term contract makes it difficult to demonstrate the continuity the category expects.
• The way the offer and the employment relationship are documented matters in the adjudication.

Because the analysis depends on the specifics of each offer, the same associate researcher title may or may not qualify depending on the contract terms. It is worth reviewing the terms of the position and assessing the fit with a specialist before filing.

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Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

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As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.