EB-1A Green Card
The premier green card for individuals with extraordinary ability—no employer sponsor required.
About This Visa
The EB-1A is an employment-based immigrant visa for individuals who can demonstrate extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics through sustained national or international recognition.
No job offer is required. Applicants can self-petition without employer sponsorship or labor certification. Spouses and children under 21 can also pursue green cards as derivative beneficiaries.
The EB-1A is the fastest path to a U.S. green card, with the shortest backlogs of any employment-based category and 15-day premium processing available for the I-140 petition.
The EB-1A is the fastest path to a U.S. green card—no employer sponsor, no labor certification, and the shortest backlogs of any employment-based category.
EB-1A Criteria (Meet 3 of 10)
You must demonstrate extraordinary ability through sustained national or international acclaim. Alternatively, a single major internationally recognized award (such as a Nobel Prize or Olympic medal) satisfies the requirement.
Nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence
Membership in associations requiring outstanding achievement
Published material about you in professional or major trade publications or major media
Participation as a judge of the work of others in your field
Original scientific, scholarly, artistic, athletic, or business-related contributions of major significance
Authorship of scholarly articles in professional or major trade publications or major media
Display of your work at artistic exhibitions or showcases
A leading or critical role in distinguished organizations
High salary or significantly high remuneration relative to others in the field
Commercial successes in the performing arts
The EB-1A Process
Define Your Field
Work with your attorney to define your field of expertise—broad enough to include your highlights, but narrow enough to make world-class status plausible.
Build Your Evidence
Compile comprehensive documentation for at least 3 of the 10 criteria, including awards, publications, letters from independent experts, and metrics of impact.
File I-140 Petition
File the I-140 Immigrant Petition with USCIS. Premium processing is available for $2,500, guaranteeing a 15-day response.
Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing
After I-140 approval, file I-485 to adjust status (if in the U.S.) or process an immigrant visa at a U.S. Consulate abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions
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