Dr. William:

I am a Ph.D. employed in a small research company. I heard that EB1 (EB1-EA and EB1-OR) category for permanent residency is stringent. Could you give me some idea about EB1-OR application compared with EB1-EA application?

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Answer:

The qualification criteria for Outstanding Researcher (EB1-OR) is lower than that for Extraordinary Ability (EB1-EA), which is a self-petitioned case. But Outstanding Researcher petition must be employer sponsored (it means that you can prepare all documents by yourself without hiring a lawyer, but your employer must sign the petition form and cover letter) .

To establish that an alien applicant is an Outstanding Researcher, the company must has documented accomplishments, and employs at least three full-time researchers.