I just finished my PhD and only have 1 year of experience. Is the EB-1B out of reach?

Not necessarily out of reach, but it tends to be challenging at this stage. The EB-1B is the path for outstanding professors and researchers, and the review looks for an established track record with national or international recognition — something that generally takes time to build.

Completing a PhD is an important foundation, but the degree alone does not demonstrate the level of achievement the category requires. With limited time in the field after graduation, the challenge is usually gathering enough volume and depth of evidence (publications with impact, citations, peer recognition) to show a consolidated body of work.

It is worth remembering that what matters is the strength of the overall profile, not a number of years. A young applicant with strong results can stand out, but more commonly the evidence base is still being built at this stage. In that case, it makes sense to:

• Strengthen the research and publications portfolio over time.
• Seek recognition beyond the immediate circle (reviewer, speaker, collaborations).
• Assess whether another pathway fits better at this point in your career.

Since each case is reviewed individually, the best approach is to review the current criteria and map your profile with a specialist before deciding on a path.

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.