For EB-1B, my company has 10 researchers but I only have 2 years of experience. Can I qualify?

In the EB-1B category, what matters is not the size of your organization or team. Being part of a group with 10 researchers shows you work in a relevant environment, but the category evaluates your recognition as an outstanding professor or researcher at a national or international level.

Two pillars define this path. First, you must demonstrate excellence through a body of evidence such as high-impact publications, citations, awards, and assessments by independent experts. Second, EB-1B does not allow self-petition: it requires a job offer or sponsorship from a qualifying U.S. university or research institution.

A shorter track record, such as 2 years of experience, can make the case more challenging because there is typically less time to build the history of contributions and recognition the review looks for. There is no magic number; what counts is the overall strength of the profile. Someone with intense and influential output in a short period may still have a compelling case, while other profiles may fit better in categories like EB-1A.

Since each case is evaluated individually, it is worth reviewing the current requirements on the USCIS website and discussing your record with an immigration specialist before deciding on a strategy.

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.