The research activity not only contributes to the progress of science, but also has many benefits for the scientists themselves. One of the most significant is the opportunity to obtain O-1 and EB-1 visas to live in the USA. What are the requirements for obtaining them? What opportunities for scientists do they provide? Below, we will go into this in detail.
O-1 visa
The O-1 visa – is for individuals with outstanding ability in science, art, education, business, or sports. For scientists, it is a unique opportunity to work in the U.S. on a temporary basis, collaborating with leading universities, research centres or companies.
The O-1 visa is classified as a non-immigrant visa. This means that it is intended for temporary residence for up to 3 years. However, it can be extended if necessary.
Requirements for obtaining an O-1 visa
To qualify for an O-1 visa, a researcher must demonstrate outstanding achievement in his or her field. To do so, the researcher must meet a minimum of three criteria from the list below:
- receipt of significant honours or awards at the national or international level (e.g., research grants or research awards);
- membership in professional associations that require outstanding achievement for entry;
- publications in professional or major media about the scientist's work;
- significant contributions to the scientific field as evidenced by patents, articles in highly ranked journals, or other achievements;
- role as a reviewer or judge in scientific journals, conferences or competitions;
- publication of research papers that are widely cited in academia;
- working in a leading position in organisations with a high reputation;
- a high salary or other remuneration that shows recognition of achievement.
In addition, an O-1 visa requires a sponsor (employer or agent in the United States of America) to file a petition with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Letters of recommendation from experts in the field attesting to the scientist's outstanding abilities are also required.
What opportunities does the O-1 visa offer?
Many scientists seek to obtain an O-1 visa because it provides an opportunity to actively pursue research activities in the United States. Its main advantages include:
- the opportunity to work in the U.S. for up to 3 years with the right to extend;
- access to co-operation with leading scientific institutions and companies;
- flexibility in choosing an employer (subject to a new petition);
- the ability to bring family members (spouse and children under 21) with you on an O-3 visa, but note that they are not eligible to work.
EB-1 visa
The EB-1 visa – is an immigrant visa that provides scholars with the opportunity to obtain permanent resident status in the United States. It is intended for individuals of outstanding ability, distinguished professors or researchers, and executives of international companies.
Because this visa is aimed at getting a scientist permanent residence in the U.S., it is much more difficult to obtain than the O-1.
Requirements for the EB-1 visa
EB-1 is divided into three subcategories, but for scientists, EB-1A (outstanding ability) and EB-1B (outstanding professors and researchers) are most applicable.
Accordingly, each of these subcategories has its own specific requirements, which we will discuss next.
EB-1A: Extraordinary Ability Visa
This category does not require a sponsor, making the process more self-contained. The scholar must provide either proof of one significant achievement (e.g., receiving a prestigious international award) or meet at least three of the following criteria:
- receipt of national or international awards for professional merit;
- membership of organisations that can only be entered for outstanding achievements;
- publications about the scientist in specialised or popular media;
- the role of an expert or judge in the professional evaluation of the work of others;
- significant contributions to science, art, business, or other fields;
- publications in the leading journals Scopus or Web of Science;
- participation in exhibitions or shows (for creative professions);
- a leadership role in a large organisation;
- high income compared to peers in the same field.
EB-1B: Outstanding Professors and Researchers
To establish that a researcher is an outstanding professor or researcher, he or she must meet at least two of the six criteria (or similar evidence if any of the criteria are not appropriate for you):
- honours or awards for outstanding academic achievement;
- membership of professional associations, which are only accepted if you have a significant record of achievement;
- publications by other authors about your research work in professional publications;
- participation as an expert or jury member in the evaluation of research papers by others in your field or a related field;
- original research that has made a significant contribution to your field;
- authorship of scientific books or articles in international scientific journals.
In addition, the EB-1B requires a job offer from a U.S. employer (such as a university or research institute).
What opportunities does the EB-1 visa offer?
Compared to the O-1 visa, the EB-1 visa provides scientists with more opportunities, including:
- obtaining a green card, which allows them to live and work in the U.S. on a permanent basis;
- the ability to apply for U.S. citizenship after 5 years of residency;
- not having to go through the lengthy Labor Certification process, which speeds up the process;
- ability to include family members (spouse and children under 21) in the green card application.
The process of obtaining O-1 and EB-1 visas is rather long and complicated. However, if you take a competent approach to preparing all the necessary documents, as well as clearly determine whether you meet the requirements, it is possible to achieve success.
The company "Scientific Publications" is ready to provide you with assistance in publishing articles in Scopus and Web of Science, which are necessary for obtaining the above-mentioned visas. Our experts will select the appropriate journal and will accompany you at all stages of the publication process. To get a free consultation, fill in the form below and our manager will contact you as soon as possible. Together to new scientific achievements!
