In the EB-1B, do teaching and research done simultaneously count together toward the experience requirement?

Generally, activities performed at the same time do not add up. In the EB-1B, when teaching and research occur simultaneously, the time counted typically corresponds to the actual calendar period elapsed, not the arithmetic sum of the parallel roles performed.

In other words, holding two roles during the same interval normally counts as that interval of time, not as the sum of the two. What strengthens the case is the quality and relevance of the work, not merely the total months accumulated.

The EB-1B is designed for internationally recognized professors and researchers and requires a minimum period of qualified experience in the field, along with a position at a university or research institution. To properly document the extent and nature of your work, the following are essential:

• Contracts and documents that define the periods of employment.
• Reference letters describing roles and responsibilities.
• Job descriptions that show the overlap and scope of activities.

Since the exact counting method and the minimum required period are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and may change, it is worth confirming the current criteria with USCIS or with a specialist before preparing the petition.

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Victoria Harper

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