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For the EB-1B, can I combine teaching experience from different institutions?

For the EB-1B, teaching or research experience can be combined across different institutions, as long as it is continuous and well documented. Learn how to substantiate each position in your career history.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on July 11, 2026
1 min read
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As a general rule, yes. Under the EB-1B category for outstanding professors and researchers, the required period of experience in teaching or research does not have to have been completed at a single institution. What the evaluation focuses on is the career trajectory, which may have spanned more than one employer.

There is a minimum qualifying experience period required by the rules, but the exact value should be verified at the official source, as it may change over time. The practical point is that combining stints at different institutions is acceptable, as long as each period is well documented and demonstrates continuity.

For that combined experience to hold up, gather clear evidence for each position, for example:

  • Letters from each institution describing your roles and responsibilities.
  • Documentation of the periods during which you worked at each place.
  • Publications, projects, awards, and the impact of your work.

The USCIS evaluates the quality, relevance, and continuity of the experience, not just the total time accumulated. For that reason, it is worth verifying the current minimum period at the official source and organizing your documentation with a specialist before filing.

Learn more about EB-1

Category
EB-1 Green Card (1st priority)
Requirement
Extraordinary ability
Self-petition
Allowed (no sponsor needed)
Processing
6-18 months
All about EB-1

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.

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For the EB-1B, can I combine teaching experience from different institutions?

For the EB-1B, teaching or research experience can be combined across different institutions, as long as it is continuous and well documented. Learn how to substantiate each position in your career history.

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