EB-1A and EB-1B require me to prove professional licensing in the USA?

The EB-1A and EB-1B visas were created to attract highly qualified professionals with international recognition, but their evaluation essentially focuses on the candidate’s exceptional achievements and contributions, not on professional licensing requirements in the United States.

In the case of the EB-1A, which is intended for individuals with extraordinary abilities in areas such as arts, sciences, education, or sports, the objective is to prove that the candidate has reached a level of excellence that places them among the very best in their field.

The EB-1B, on the other hand, is aimed at professors and researchers with international recognition in their field of expertise. In both cases, the focus is on published evidence, awards, citations, and other indicators of excellence and impact, without a requirement to prove licensing to practice the profession in the United States.

It is important to highlight that even if your area of expertise does not require professional licensing certification for obtaining the EB-1, it may have its own requirements for professional practice after immigration. For example, if your area is regulated by state or federal norms – as is the case with certain professions in health or law – it may be necessary to obtain the appropriate license to work in the country, but this requirement is separate from the immigration visa process.

I emphasize the importance of strictly following United States immigration laws and seeking information from official sources or specialized consultants, avoiding scams or marketing campaigns that promise results without transparency. Each case has particularities and, although the EB-1 visa focuses on proving the candidate’s recognition and achievements, professional practice in the US market may require other certifications. Therefore, it is always advisable to carefully analyze your specific situation and verify if there are additional requirements for your area of expertise.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.