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For the EB-1B, do three years of postdoc and no teaching experience count?

Under the EB-1B, three years of postdoc typically count as research, and the lack of teaching experience does not close the case. See how publications and peer recognition can support your academic profile.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on July 11, 2026
1 min read
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Yes, three years of postdoc can count. Under the EB-1B category, which targets outstanding professors and researchers, postdoctoral work is recognized as research activity, as long as you can document relevant production and contributions to your field during that period.

The absence of formal teaching does not close the door, but it tends to make the path more demanding, because part of the category’s logic is demonstrating permanence and influence in the academic community. A strong research record can fulfill that role.

  • Document your postdoc output thoroughly: publications, citations, and original contributions.
  • Gather recommendation letters from specialists who can attest to your relevance in the field.
  • Add other signs of international recognition that reinforce your standing.

Since each case is evaluated individually, it is worth reviewing the current criteria at the official source (USCIS) and aligning your strategy 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, do three years of postdoc and no teaching experience count?

Under the EB-1B, three years of postdoc typically count as research, and the lack of teaching experience does not close the case. See how publications and peer recognition can support your academic profile.

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