Last updated 11 November 2026, 00:00 (UTC+0)
Visa for outstanding professors and researchers E12 USA
Research visa, Professor visa, EB1 visa, Priority workers visa
Check if the visa is available for your citizenship
Citizenship
Visa for outstanding professors and researchers — what you need to know
Outstanding professors or researchers recognized internationally can immigrate to the U.S. on an E12 visa. This visa enhances the academic and research institutions in the U.S. by allowing these distinguished individuals to contribute their expertise. It provides permanent residency, access to work, education, and healthcare, and a pathway to citizenship.
At least three years of teaching or research experience in the relevant field is required
A job offer for a permanent research position or a teaching position with a permanent contract or the prospect of obtaining one is required
The applicant must meet at least 2 of 6 criteria: major awards, membership in elite associations, publications about the applicant's work, participation in the evaluation of others' work, original contributions, authorship of books/articles
The I-140 immigrant petition is filed by the U.S. employer; self-petitioning under this category is not provided for.
Process: the U.S. employer finds the candidate → the employer files Form I-140 with USCIS → I-140 approval → application for an immigrant visa (consular processing) or Adjustment of Status (if the candidate is already in the U.S.) → receipt of the Green Card
The employer is not required to obtain PERM labor certification
It is possible to relocate with a spouse and unmarried children under 21; the spouse receives the right to work after obtaining permanent resident status
After receiving the Green Card, the standard path to naturalization opens after 5 years
Eligible individuals:
- Talented professor
- Researcher
How does this visa work?
Don’t postpone the application
The visa is processed from 1 year to 1 year 6 months. Many people contact us 3–5 days before their trip, so start the process in advance
How can you prove the basis for the visa?
They clarify the purpose of the visit and future activities in the country
What must be prepared?
Basic package — always required, regardless of the application conditions
What additional documents may be required?
Documents required vary depending on individual circumstances, specific visa conditions, the place, and the method of application.
*Foreign official documents must be apostilled and legalized in accordance with the regulations of the country whose consular or diplomatic mission they are being submitted to. Additionally, they must be accompanied by a certified translation into the official language of that country or into English, unless otherwise specified by the mission's requirements.
**Prior to submitting the documents, it is strongly advised to verify the specific procedures and requirements with the relevant mission.
Are you eligible for this visa?
Clear purposes of the visit and documents confirming them, in accordance with the visa conditions.
The applicant does not pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health or international relations of the country.
Valid permanent resident status or proof thereof; all preliminary procedures for visa application have been completed.
Official visa information
English international
Type of visa
Immigrant visa
Category
Work immigrant visas