Does coordinating a research project that produced publications qualify as a ‘leading role’?

It can. Coordinating a research project that resulted in publications has the potential to qualify as a ‘leading role’ in an EB-1 petition, but what matters is not the job title, it is the real nature of your involvement.

The competent authority typically examines whether you were a key driver in the project’s direction and success. Managing a schedule in an administrative capacity is different from leading the decisions that defined the outcome. That is why it helps to demonstrate that your contribution included, for example:

• setting the scientific guidelines and direction of the project;
• coordinating the team and overseeing critical phases;
• making strategic decisions that were determinative for the results achieved.

Documentation is what supports this narrative. Letters from those who witnessed the work, third-party citations, expert evaluations, and the publications themselves help establish that your contribution was exceptional and recognized by institutions and peers.

Because each case is evaluated individually, it is worth organizing your evidence carefully and verifying updated requirements with USCIS or a qualified specialist before assembling the petition.

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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.