EB-1B Attorneys for Exceptional Professors and Researchers

The EB-1B visa is for distinguished professors and researchers with internationally recognized achievements. If you have a strong record of publications, citations, or groundbreaking work, this visa may be your direct route to a U.S. green card.

At Colombo & Hurd, our EB-1B attorneys craft persuasive petitions, highlight your accomplishments, and secure expert recommendations to present the strongest case to USCIS.

  • Over 20 years representing clients worldwide
  • Thousands of U.S. green cards approved

More than 20 years of Excellence in Immigration Law

EB-1B Visa

What is the EB-1B Visa?

The Employment-Based First Preference Outstanding Professors and Researchers (EB-1B) visa provides a pathway to U.S. permanent residency for academics and researchers who have achieved international recognition in their field. To qualify, petitioners must demonstrate a strong record of scholarly accomplishments, along with at least three years of teaching or research experience. In addition, a permanent job offer is required from a U.S. university, institution of higher education, or a company with substantial research activity. 

  • Permanent Residency for You and Your Family
  • No Work Restrictions
  • No Labor Certification (PERM) Delays
  • A path to U.S. citizenship

Do You Qualify For the EB-1B Visa?

To qualify for the EB-1B, you must meet both basic requirements and provide evidence of international recognition in your field.

  • Permanent job offer (Must Have)
  • Three years of experience (Must Have)

Evidence of International Recognition

USCIS requires proof in two or more of the following categories. Most successful EB-1B petitions combine several of these criteria, supported by strong recommendation letters and documentation of your impact.

  • Major awards or prizes
  • Membership in associations
  • Published material about you
  • Judging the work of others
  • Original contributions
  • Authorship of scholarly work

Achieve Your Immigration Goals with Experienced EB-1B Attorneys 

Experienced in Academic & Research Petitions 

We represent professors, post-doctoral researchers, and leading scholars worldwide. Our attorneys know how to build persuasive EB-1B petitions tailored to your achievements. 

Decades of Experience 

For more than 20 years, Colombo & Hurd has helped clients from over 100 countries secure permanent residency through employment-based categories. 

 Strategic, Data-Driven Guidance 

We create a strategy based on your background, career goals, and evolving immigration policies. By leveraging comprehensive USCIS data and staying current on trends, we maximize your chances of success with a customized approach. 

Proven Experience with Expertise of a Former USCIS Officer  

Our team of U.S.-licensed attorneys from top law schools has helped thousands achieve their immigration goals. With a former 13-year U.S. immigration officer on our team, we bring invaluable expertise to your case.  

Decades of Experience 

For more than 20 years, Colombo & Hurd has helped clients from over 100 countries secure permanent residency through employment-based categories. 

Recognized for Excellence

With an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell—the highest rating awarded based on peer reviews from other attorneys—and an A+ BBB rating, we’re recognized for our excellence and client-focused service.  

Frequently Asked Questions About the EB-1B Visa

Yes, private companies can sponsor EB-1B petitions if they have a dedicated research department and employ at least three full-time researchers. Many corporate R&D labs qualify. 

USCIS looks for evidence that your work is widely respected in your field. This can include peer-reviewed publications, citations by other researchers, invitations to present at international conferences, or major awards. 

Yes. Both teaching and research experience can be counted if they were completed at recognized institutions and are properly documented. 

Yes. Many EB-1B applicants are already in the U.S. on other visas. You can adjust status if you’re eligible or apply from abroad through consular processing. 

Not necessarily. While grant funding strengthens your case, it is not required. Strong publications, citations, and documented impact of your work are often enough. 

Processing times vary, but EB-1 petitions generally move faster than other employment-based categories. Premium processing is often available, which can shorten initial USCIS review to 15 days. 

Absolutely. Letters from independent experts in your field are a key part of the most successful EB-1B petitions. Our attorneys help identify the right recommenders and shape persuasive letters. 

Yes. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 may apply for permanent residency as derivative beneficiaries of your EB-1B petition. 

You may be able to file an appeal, a motion to reopen, or explore alternative immigration options such as EB-2 NIW or O-1 visas. Our attorneys advise the best path forward if this occurs. 

No. EB-1A is for individuals with extraordinary ability and allows self-petitioning, while EB-1B is specifically for outstanding professors and researchers and requires a sponsoring employer. 

What Clients Say About Our EB-1B Lawyers

Amazing team with outstanding professionalism

Amazing team with outstanding professionalism. They genuinely communicate clearly at every level of the process.

Victor Ordoñez

Hiring Colombo & Hurd was undoubtedly the best decision I made

From the very beginning, their support was constant, their feedback was clear, and they were very efficient with every request or question that arose during the process, making every requirement clearer and easier to build. I entrusted the most important project of my life to them, and I feel they met my expectations 100%. I will always be grateful for having found them and trusted their experience and guidance.

Laura Andrea Garcia

I recommend them not only for their quality of service but for their commitment to you as a client

Excellent service, communication and support. Before starting my process, I made sure that they were a legitimate and experienced law firm. Once I found that this was the case, I started my process with them. It was the best decision I have ever made. The way they structure their teams according to their skills and specialties during each phase allows your process to always be in the best hands, providing you support from the most qualified experts according to your needs. I recommend them not only for their quality of service but for their commitment to you as a client. They always seek the best option for you based on your particular case and are always honest with you.

Sergio L

Representing us with one of the most important goals in our lives

They are the best team ever! We felt really blessed to have this law firm representing us with one of the most important goals in our lives. We recommend this team. They are trustful, honest, transparent and everything that they said to us was just on time! Thank you for everything that you did!

Osiris Bedoya