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I’m a researcher in a zoonotic vaccine pipeline with no teaching experience. Can I qualify for EB-1B?

Under EB-1B, the absence of teaching experience does not rule out a researcher's case: what matters is the impact and international recognition of your work. Learn how to demonstrate exceptional merit.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on July 11, 2026
1 min read
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Yes, a lack of teaching experience does not by itself disqualify an EB-1B petition. This category, designed for outstanding professors and researchers, primarily values the quality, impact, and international recognition of your research work.

For a researcher working on a zoonotic vaccine pipeline, what tends to matter most is demonstrating that your work has exceptional merit and recognized influence in the field. Teaching experience can strengthen a case, but it is not the only way to establish excellence.

In general, the following types of evidence support this kind of profile:

  • Relevant publications and citations of your work by other researchers.
  • Awards or distinctions related to your scientific contributions.
  • Letters from experts attesting to the impact of your research.

Keep in mind that EB-1B typically also requires a job offer from a U.S. institution, and each case is evaluated individually. For that reason, confirm the current requirements and assess your profile 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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I’m a researcher in a zoonotic vaccine pipeline with no teaching experience. Can I qualify for EB-1B?

Under EB-1B, the absence of teaching experience does not rule out a researcher's case: what matters is the impact and international recognition of your work. Learn how to demonstrate exceptional merit.

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