For the EB-1B, the company is private and does AI research. Is that possible?

Yes, it is possible. EB-1B is the pathway for outstanding researchers who receive a job offer from an employer with recognized research activity, and that is not limited to universities. A private company that conducts serious artificial intelligence research can serve as a sponsor.

What matters is substance, not the label. The company must demonstrate that it maintains a real, established research operation, with the structure and track record to support the work, and the offered position must have a research character. On the candidate’s side, the core EB-1B requirement still applies: demonstrating broad recognition for contributions to the field.

In practice, both sides reinforce each other. A strong researcher profile carries more weight when the employer demonstrates credibility and research capacity, and the reverse is equally true. The coherence between the two parts is what supports the petition.

Since each case is evaluated individually by USCIS, it is worth checking the current requirements and preparing the company’s and researcher’s documentation with a specialist before filing.

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.