Do ‘Outstanding Researchers’ need a full-time research position?

As a general rule, yes. The EB-1B category, designed for ‘Outstanding Researchers and Professors’, typically requires that the candidate have an offer for a permanent and full-time research or teaching position at a qualifying institution of higher education or research in the United States.

The rationale is to demonstrate that the institution is making a substantial and ongoing commitment to the researcher’s work, which reinforces the candidate’s standing as a recognized authority in the field. A stable, full-time engagement signals that commitment more clearly than a temporary or part-time arrangement.

• The focus is on a permanent position dedicated to research or teaching.
• The sponsoring institution must show a continuous commitment to that work.
• USCIS evaluates the position within the broader context of the candidate’s career and credentials.

There may be specific situations that fall outside the general rule, so it is worth checking the current requirements with USCIS and discussing how your position fits with an immigration specialist before filing.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

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.