The EB-1A falls under the Employment-Based, First Preference (EB-1) category and is designated for “priority workers.” This visa category is specifically for individuals who demonstrate exceptional abilities in the fields of sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics.

To qualify for the EB-1A Visa, you must demonstrate extraordinary ability in your field. This means that you have risen to the top of your profession and have achieved recognition for your outstanding achievements.

Whether you receive enduring recognition on a national or international level, you can confidently pursue eligibility for the EB-1A Green Card, and the advantage is that you have the option to submit a self-petition.

The EB-1A Green Card process consists of 2 steps:


First and foremost, clarity about your field of expertise is essential, along with highlighting your notable accomplishments within that domain. This article will outline the requirements of the EB-1A Green Card category and tips for strengthening your case. 


What Are the Key Requirements for an EB-1A Visa in the USA?

The initial recommendation is to strive to fulfill a minimum of three of these pieces of evidence:

  • A proof of lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in your field of endeavor;
  • An evidence of membership in an association that demands outstanding excellence or membership in a fellowship;
  • You will show evidence of published materials about you in professional or major trade publications or other major media in your industry;
  • Evidence that you’ve judged in a competition or judged the work of others, either individually or on a panel;
  • Evidence of your original scientific, scholarly, artistic, athletic, or business-related contributions of major significance to the field;
  • Authorship of scholarly articles in professional or major trade publications or other major media (typically provided by scientists or researchers);
  • Command a high salary or other significantly high remuneration in relation to others in the field;
  • Proof of your performance in a critical role in distinguished organizations;
  • Show your major grants, patents, or intellectual property awarded to the applicant.

If you are in the creativity and arts industry, show proof of your commercial success in performing arts.

Letters of recommendation from acknowledged experts in the field will substantiate both your critical role factor and original contribution factor.


5 Tips for Increasing Chances of EB-1A Visa Approval

To qualify for an EB-1A Green Card, there are some tips you must take note of to increase your chances of getting approval:

  1. Plan in advance – obtaining an EB-1 Visa is a gradual journey that doesn’t happen overnight. If you recognize the potential for eligibility, begin building the necessary qualifications now. For instance, if you are an academic, initiate the publication of scholarly articles and contributions on reputable platforms in your industry. If you are in business, let the world know what you do. 
  2. Remember about your achievements – every piece of evidence can play an important role in the success of the petition. Take some time and analyze everything you did in your professional life. It is common for people to overlook certain accomplishments simply because they may appear “simple” but can be crucial in demonstrating your achievements.
  3. Work with experts – this is not enough to work with any immigration attorney, it is important to work with the attorney that specializes in EB-1A petitions and legal writers that can present what you do in the understandable language. EB-1A is a book of your achievements, it needs to be presented in the way that the officer understands that you are in the top 1% of best experts worldwide. The officer has around 20 minutes to review your case. The structure and presentation of your petition is crucial. 
  4. Get recommendations – start making connections with individuals in your field who can vouch for the excellence of your work.
  5. Make sure that your past does not chase you – if you consider applying for the Green Card, and you had any past immigration stores like overstay, or you had any other problems that could impact your case, make sure that this is present to the attorney and team before you engage in the process, so that the proper plan is on place from the very beginning. 

* This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide direct legal advice.


Would you be interested in determining your eligibility for the EB-1 category? Kindly complete this brief screening, and our team of attorneys will carefully review your accomplishments.


FAQ

  • Do I need to win a Nobel Prize or a first place award?

    No. There is no need for you to be a winner of the Nobel prize. These types of awards could waive the necessity of meeting 3 out 10 factors during the EB-1A I-140 stage. If we do not have such an award in place, we will follow the regular EB-1A process of winning at least 3 factors.
  • What are some of the rules when it comes to lesser awards?

    In the context of an EB-1A petition, any recognition, even if considered “lesser,” can still contribute to showcasing the applicant’s exceptional abilities and achievements. Each piece of evidence, regardless of its perceived level of importance, can be valuable in demonstrating the overall impact and recognition of the individual in their field. Thus, this is important to inform PassRight and our attorneys about all the awards you received to determine if they meet USCIS standards.
  • How can you prove that you were a judge on a panel?

    To prove your participation as a judge on a panel, you can provide various documents. These include evidence of being invited or selected as a judge, such as a letter signed by the relevant authority, photos, emails, certificate. Additionally, you can submit supporting materials like web pages or promotional materials that demonstrate your involvement in the panel.
  • What documents are essential for the EB-1A application?

    The list of documents depends on your achievements. However, you always need to submit form I-140, checks for USCIS, cover letter and supporting evidence proving your achievements.
  • Is premium processing service available for EB-1A applications?

    Yes, in addition to the regular processing fee of $700, an applicant can request a premium processing (15 days review process) for the additional fee of $2500.00.