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If I already changed employers, can I still use the EB-1B?

Changing employers does not close the door on EB-1B, as long as the new institution is qualified and offers a permanent position. See what changes in your petition when an employer switch occurs.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on July 11, 2026
1 min read
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The EB-1B is the category for outstanding professors and researchers, and it is tied to an employer: it requires an offer of a permanent position at a qualified research or teaching institution. Because of this, changing employers does not close off this path, but it does shift the central piece of the petition.

If you changed employers, the focus moves to the new employer. That employer must qualify as an eligible institution and take on the role of petitioner, offering the permanent position the category requires.

  • The new employer sponsors and presents the offer of a permanent position.
  • Your international recognition in the field remains the backbone of the case.
  • Mid-process employer changes typically require justifying the transition.

Since each situation has its own nuances, it is worth confirming the updated requirements with the official source (USCIS) and reviewing your case with a specialist before filing.

Learn more about EB-1

Category
EB-1 Green Card (1st priority)
Requirement
Extraordinary ability
Self-petition
Allowed (no sponsor needed)
Processing
6-18 months
All about EB-1

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.

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If I already changed employers, can I still use the EB-1B?

Changing employers does not close the door on EB-1B, as long as the new institution is qualified and offers a permanent position. See what changes in your petition when an employer switch occurs.

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