I’m on EB-1B. If I change universities, do I need a new petition?

As a general rule, yes: the EB-1B is tied to the employer that filed the petition. Because the category depends on a specific job offer from a U.S. institution, changing universities normally requires the new institution to file a new petition on your behalf.

This is because the previous approval was built around your position and your commitment to the original institution. A new university means a new job offer, a new employer, and therefore a new assessment of whether the overall package meets USCIS requirements.

A few points to keep in mind when planning the transition:

• The new institution typically needs to file the petition before you formally begin the new position.
• Your outstanding achievement evidence continues to be relevant, but will undergo a fresh review in the new petition.
• The timing of your move relative to your current status can have practical implications that deserve careful attention.

Because the specifics depend on where you are in the process, it is worth reviewing the latest guidance from USCIS and planning the transition with a specialist before making any decisions.

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.