Overview
U.S. law allows employers to sponsor outstanding researchers and professors for permanent residence in the EB-1B pathway. UW sponsors faculty members for the EB-1B pathway by exception only, where the school/college/campus requests it and there is sufficient evidence of eligibility.
USCIS requires that candidates demonstrate “sustained international recognition” as outstanding in their field through receipt of prizes, significant original contributions to the field, and other criteria. Because of this high burden of proof, some faculty candidates may not qualify for EB-1B sponsorship. All EB-1B sponsorships based on UW employment are processed through International Scholars Operations (ISO) in the Office for Academic Personnel and Faculty, although some of these sponsorships may be referred to outside immigration counsel.
Filing fees of $3520 must be paid to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Units are responsible for both filing fees and processing fees charged by ISO and/or outside immigration counsel.