This classification is open for individuals that are recognized nationally or internationally as outstanding in a specific field.  The USCIS regulations state that a petition for an outstanding researcher or professor must be accompanied by evidence that the professor or researcher is recognized internationally as outstanding in the academic field; he or she is coming to the U.S. to accept a tenure track or permanent position; and he or she has at least three years of experience in an academic field.

This category requires an offer of employment.  If a petitioning employer is not a university or college, but a private institution/corporation, the employer must be able to show that it employs at least three other full-time researchers, and that it has achieved accomplishments in an academic field.