I am a researcher who co-authored a paper with a Nobel Prize winner. Does that count?

Co-authoring a paper with a Nobel Prize winner is a strong contextual point, but it is not, on its own, a criterion for the EB-1. What truly carries weight is evidence of your own extraordinary contribution and the recognition your work has earned.

The EB-1 is an immigration pathway to the United States for professionals with extraordinary ability, such as researchers, scientists, and artists. One of its advantages is that certain categories do not require a job offer or labor certification. In exchange, it demands a robust and coherent body of evidence demonstrating distinction in your field.

A co-authorship with a renowned researcher can be included in your petition as part of that body of evidence, helping to place you in a high-caliber environment. However, it functions as supporting evidence, not as standalone proof, and must be accompanied by other elements, for example:

• Relevant publications and citations of your work by others.
• Participation as a judge or peer reviewer in your field.
• Awards, invited lectures, and other verifiable recognitions.

Each case is evaluated holistically by the competent authority. It is worth verifying the current requirements with the USCIS and reviewing your profile with a specialist before filing a petition.

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.