1. Employment-Based Green Cards for Faculty
Green Cards are sought by most international academicians or scholars in categories based on employment. The categories that are frequently used are:
EB-1B: Outstanding Professor or Researcher
It is a faculty category that is reserved to those with a high level of academic background. In order to qualify, the applicant must:
1. Have at least three years of teaching or research experience,
2. Be internationally recognized in their field,
3. Have a permanent job offer for a tenure-track or research position from a U.S. institution.
This route does not require labor certification (PERM), making it relatively faster.
EB-2: Advanced Degree or Exceptional Ability (with PERM or NIW)
EB-2 may apply to faculty member with advanced degree (Master or more). In this there are two alternatives:
1. PERM-Based EB-2: Requires labor certification and a permanent job offer.
2. National Interest Waiver (NIW): Waives the job offer and labor certification if the applicant’s work benefits the U.S. significantly, such as in scientific or public-interest domains.
2. Criteria for EB-1B Eligibility
To be eligible under the EB-1B category, a faculty member must meet at least two of the following:
1. Published scholarly books or articles,
2. Membership in associations requiring outstanding achievement,
3. Original scientific or scholarly research contributions,
4. Peer review work for journals,
5. Recognition through awards or citations,
6. High salary compared to others in the field.
3. Self-Petition Option: EB-1A and NIW
Faculty members with an exceptional track record may self-petition through:
1. EB-1A: For those with sustained acclaim and extraordinary ability. No job offer is required.
2. National Interest Waiver (NIW): Useful for faculty involved in research with national importance, especially in health, science, or education.
Both the paths are quite an advantage to faculty moving to another university or someone not sponsored by an institution.
4. Special Considerations for University-Based Roles
Universities often qualify for special handling in the Green Card process. For example:
1. PERM process for teaching positions can follow an alternative recruitment method.
2. Tenure-track positions often receive priority in EB-1B or EB-2 NIW cases.
5. Documentation Required
To strengthen a Green Card petition, international faculty should gather:
1. CV with detailed research and teaching experience,
2. Letters of recommendation from experts,
3. Evidence of publications, citations, and academic impact,
4. Proof of permanent employment offer,
5. Awards, grants, or conference recognitions.
Need Help Planning Your Green Card Strategy?
At HELPINGREENCARD, we help Indian professionals in tech, engineering, AI, cybersecurity, and other IT fields understand their options, prepare strong petitions, and explore fast-track alternatives.
Contact us today:
+91-830-5233-223
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