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EB1A –

Extraordinary Ability

Program Overview

The EB-1 visa is a U.S. employment-based immigration program in the “first preference” category, designed for top professionals and leaders in their fields.

There are three subcategories under EB-1:

  • EB-1A: Extraordinary Ability
  • EB-1B: Outstanding Professors and Researchers
  • EB-1C: Multinational Managers or Executives

This page focuses on EB-1A, the category for individuals with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics.

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Program Requirements

MEETING AT LEAST 3 OF THE FOLLOWING 10 CRITERIA

  • Receipt of lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence.
  • Membership in associations that require outstanding achievements.
  • Published material about you in professional or major media.
  • Serving as a judge of others’ work in your field.
  • Original contributions of major significance in your field.
  • Authorship of scholarly articles in professional journals or major media.
  • Display of your work at artistic exhibitions or showcases.
  • Leading or critical roles in distinguished organizations.
  • Commanding a high salary or remuneration compared to peers.
  • Commercial success in the performing arts.

You must also demonstrate that you will continue working in your field of expertise in the U.S.

To apply, you must

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  •  Have no serious criminal history.
  • Provide documentation to prove your extraordinary ability.

The EB1A process includes two main stages

Step 1: File I-140 Petition

  • You can file a self-petition (no job offer needed) with U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS).

Step 2: Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing

  • If you are already in the U.S., you may file for adjustment of status (Form I-485).
  • If you are outside the U.S., you will apply for an immigrant visa through consular processing (Form DS-260).

Once your green card is approved, you and your eligible family members can live and work permanently in the United States.

Program advantages

  • No job offer required
    You can self-petition without needing sponsorship from a U.S. employer.
  • No labor certification process (PERM)
    Skip the lengthy labor market test required for other employment-based green cards.
  • Career flexibility
    After approval, you are not tied to a specific employer as long as your work continues to align with the endeavor described in your NIW petition.
  • Faster processing with concurrent filing
  • Premium processing available
    Expedite your I-140 petition to receive a decision within approximately 45 calendar days.

Not sure which program is right for you?

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