My ‘Associate Professor’ position is renewed annually. Does it qualify as ‘permanent’?

For immigration purposes, ‘permanent employment’ does not always align with the format of your contract. In the EB-1 category for outstanding professors and researchers, an offer considered ‘permanent’ is one with an expectation of indefinite continuity, not a position limited to a fixed term with no real prospect of continuation.

Many ‘Associate Professor’ roles are renewed on an annual basis, and that alone does not make them temporary. If the university’s practice is to renew the position in a nearly automatic fashion, reflecting a long-term commitment, the role may be read as permanent for immigration purposes.

On the other hand, if each renewal is subject to rigorous review and there is genuine uncertainty about continuation, classifying the position as ‘permanent’ becomes more nuanced. What matters is the expectation of continuity, not the label on the contract.

Because this depends on the institution’s policies and the documentation that demonstrates that commitment, it is advisable to verify the criteria with USCIS and assess your specific situation with an immigration specialist.

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.