I am a postdoc with several cited papers. Can I apply for EB-1A or EB-1B?

A strong citation record is a positive signal, but on its own it is not decisive: both EB-1A and EB-1B evaluate the full picture of your trajectory. The good news is that a postdoc profile with recognized output can potentially fit either path, as they serve different situations.

In broad terms:

• The EB-1A is for individuals with extraordinary ability. It allows self-petition, meaning no job offer is required, but it demands strong evidence of broad recognition in your field.
• The EB-1B is aimed at outstanding professors and researchers and typically requires a job offer from a U.S. university or research institution, along with a consolidated research track record.

In other words, citations are one piece of the puzzle, alongside publications, awards, peer review activity, reference letters, and other evidence of your impact.

Since the choice between the two depends on the specifics of your case and whether or not you have a U.S. employer, it is worth checking the updated requirements on the official source (USCIS) and evaluating the best fit with a specialist.

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.