I have collaborations with top labs but no awards. Can I still apply for EB-1B?

The EB-1B is the green card pathway for outstanding professors and researchers with international recognition in their field. There is no single mandatory item: what matters is the overall body of evidence showing that you are a reference in your area. The absence of awards does not disqualify a case, as long as other proof supports that distinction.

Collaborating with prestigious labs can weigh in your favor, but the value lies in the substance of your contribution, not just the name of the partner institution. Elements that help build a strong profile include:

• Authorship of influential publications and their impact (citations, reach).
• Your concrete role in the research: what you developed and why it mattered.
• Reference letters from recognized experts in the field.
• Participation in committees, conferences, or peer review of others’ work.

It is worth noting that EB-1B, unlike EB-1A, typically requires a sponsoring employer to offer a research or teaching position and file the petition on your behalf. Awards are just one of many possible indicators of recognition, and each case is evaluated individually.

Because the criteria are assessed on a case-by-case basis and may change, it is advisable to verify current requirements at the official source (USCIS) and build your dossier 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.