Green Card Options for PhD Holders
by Admin
Posted on 01-01-2024 11:25 AM
By: navdeep meamber and samapika dash
due to their qualifications and experience, foreign national phd holders may qualify for green card categories that have relatively faster processing times, like eb-1a, eb-1b, and eb-2 (national interest waiver). These categories of us permanent residency are desirable because they do not require the time-consuming labor certification process.
However, these green card categories are competitive, and not every phd holder will qualify.
At a glance: phd students can apply for a green card by meeting certain requirements. The eb-1 category is popular for phd holders, with options like eb-1a for extraordinary talent and achievements, and eb-1b for professors and outstanding researchers. Eligibility is based on proving significant contributions and useful work in the field. Required documentation varies based on the specific green card category. Applications can be submitted during studies or after receiving a phd. The process takes around 4-12 months, and fees include a $700 application fee and attorney fees. Premium processing can expedite the i-140 petition. A stem degree is not mandatory, and if a petition is denied, legal assistance can be sought or additional documentation can be provided.
What is Labor Certification?
The eb-1 green card process for a ph.
D. Visa usa is almost identical to other employment-based green cards. The significant difference is that you don’t need to undergo the perm labor certification process. And if you qualify for the eb-1a, you will also have the luxury of filing your petition yourself. These two factors will significantly expedite the process. That said, whether you are self-petitioning or applying through an employer, the eb-1 green card application for ph. D. Holders involves two steps, which are as follows:.
If you plan to apply in niw you need to show that you satisfy the requirements of one of the two eb2 sub-categories the benefits from your employment will be national in scope your work is in an area of substantial intrinsic merit and important to the national interests of the united states and the significant benefit derived from your participation in the national interest field of endeavor considerably outweighs the inherent national interest in protecting u. S. Workers through the labor certification process. Uscis does not define what is national interest. However, the applicants work should have demonstrated or should be considered of high significance in the us national interest.
EB-1B: Outstanding professors and researchers
This category is for outstanding professors and researchers. Phd holders who apply under this category may need to submit the following evidence: an international award or other international acclaim proof of significant contributions in your research field. Membership in an organization that supports your claim for exceptional ability. Material published by other respected figures regarding your work in the research field. Proof that you hold a leading or critical role in your industry, such as participating as a judge for the work of your peers. Scholarly articles or other published work that appears in major trade publications or other major media.
One way is to get a green card through the eb-1 category, which includes options like eb-1a for extraordinary talent and achievements or eb-1b for professors and outstanding researchers. This category requires the petitioner to provide certain documentation that proves their work is significant and useful in the field – examples include a major award showing national or international recognition, or scholarly articles that have appeared in distinguished publications in the field. Another option is the eb-2 national interest waiver (niw) category. Unlike the eb-1 categories, this one does not have a job offer requirement. To qualify for this, the phd student should have a record of achievement in the field, including participation in research projects funded by government agencies, publications and conference presentations.
June 7, 2022 november 21, 2023 is it possible for a phd student to obtain an eb-2 niw green card? yes, a phd student may be eligible for a green card under the eb-2 niw (national interest waiver) category if the student satisfies both the criteria for eb-2 and niw.
If you have made scientific accomplishments that have impacted or influenced your field, then you can look to avoid this labor certification process by applying for a green card based on your own research accomplishments. As a stem phd you meet these criteria. There are 3 different types of categories where you can obtain a green card based on your research accomplishments. Eb1a: extraordinary ability aliens. With eb1a and eb1b, there is a wait to apply for a green card for the entire world as well as china and india. For immigration purposes “the entire world” means everywhere other than china and india.