For EB-1B, the offer is for an ‘indefinite senior researcher’ position, but without tenure. Is that acceptable?

The EB-1B visa was created to recognize researchers and professors with internationally exceptional achievements. It requires that the applicant be sponsored by a higher education or research institution offering a permanent position, that is, a career-continuous role. It’s important to understand that ‘permanent’ does not necessarily mean formal ‘tenure,’ but rather that the offered position is not temporary in nature.

In many cases, the job offer for a senior researcher under EB-1B can be described as ‘indefinite’ – that is, without a fixed term – even if it is not connected to a formal tenure system. What matters for visa evaluation is that the offered position is long-term and that the institution is willing to maintain the researcher as a permanent part of the team, contributing to the advancement of research or teaching.

Thus, if the job offer meets this continuity criterion, it can indeed be compatible with EB-1B requirements, even without the formal designation of tenure. It is also worth highlighting that each case is evaluated individually, and the position must be accompanied by other elements of recognition and professional excellence for the visa to be granted.

Therefore, it is essential to always act in accordance with United States immigration laws and seek specialized guidance – avoiding proposals that promise easy or guaranteed results – to ensure all requirements are met and the process is conducted safely and legally.

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.