I have 2 years as an assistant professor and 1 year as an associate professor. Does that count as 3 years for the EB-1B?

When it comes to the EB-1B visa for outstanding professors and researchers, it’s important to understand how professional experience is evaluated. Basically, the EB-1B requires the applicant to prove at least two years of experience in teaching or research in the academic field.

However, this requirement can be interpreted considering career progression and held positions, as long as the activity is always aligned with teaching and research areas. In your specific case, if the positions of ‘assistant professor’ and ‘associate professor’ are consecutive and held in the same academic field relevant to your specialty, it’s common for the sum of the periods to be considered.

Thus, the 2 years as an assistant professor added to 1 year as an associate professor can indeed be interpreted as 3 years of experience for EB-1B purposes. Nonetheless, details regarding the nature of the positions, the affiliated institution, and the specific duties can influence the analysis. Each case is evaluated considering the documentation presented and how the fulfillment of the requirements is characterized.

It is worth remembering that proving the EB-1B criteria goes beyond the simple length of experience – it is essential to demonstrate international recognition and significant contributions to the field through publications, awards, or other evidence that highlight your excellence. For this, it is crucial to gather all documentation proving not only the number of years worked but also the quality and relevance of the activities performed.

Finally, it is always advisable to act cautiously and follow the United States immigration laws and regulations. Researching information from reliable sources, consulting recognized specialists in the area, and avoiding commitments based on promises of easy results are measures that can help prevent unforeseen issues. Each case has its particularities, so careful analysis of the entire academic and professional trajectory is paramount for a more accurate evaluation.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.