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
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About the author
Victoria Harper
Editor-in-Chief
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.