EB-1B: does 2 years of teaching experience and 1 year of paid research count as qualifying experience?

It may, but the answer depends less on adding up numbers and more on how each period qualifies. The EB-1B category is designed for outstanding researchers and professors and requires candidates to demonstrate a consistent track record of experience in teaching or research in their field.

Periods in different roles, such as teaching and paid research, can generally be combined to build that track record, provided each period represents genuine experience that is relevant to the academic or scientific field in question. What immigration authorities examine is not just the duration, but the nature and continuity of the work.

For that reason, it is important to document each stage carefully, showing:

• The institutional affiliation, title, and responsibilities for each period.
• The relevance of the activities to your field.
• The continuity and growth of your professional development.

Because each case is assessed individually by USCIS, and experience is only one part of the picture (the category also values international recognition), it is worth reviewing the current requirements and organizing your documentation 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.