I am a senior researcher but have never taught. Does EB-1B require teaching?

Not exactly. EB-1B targets outstanding professors and researchers, and the required experience can be in teaching or research. Never having supervised students or taught a classroom course does not, by itself, rule out eligibility, since a strong research track record also qualifies.

The central requirement is demonstrating a robust academic career recognized beyond your home country, which can be shown through evidence such as:

• Significant publications in your field.
• Citations and use of your work by other researchers.
• Innovative and widely recognized contributions.

In other words, as a senior researcher, a solid and broadly recognized body of work can support a petition even without formal teaching duties. Because each case is evaluated individually by USCIS, it is worth confirming the current requirements at the official source or with an immigration specialist before filing.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

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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.