Apply for an EB-1A Visa

The EB-1A visa, also known as the Extraordinary Ability Green Card, is a first-preference employment-based immigrant visa for individuals who have achieved national or international acclaim in their field. This visa is one of the fastest and most flexible ways to obtain a U.S. green card—without requiring a job offer, labor certification, or employer sponsorship. If you are at the top of your field in science, education, business, athletics, or the arts, and can prove sustained recognition for your work, the EB-1A visa may be the ideal path to permanent residency in the United States.

What Is the EB-1A Visa?

The EB-1A visa is part of the highest-priority employment-based immigration category in the U.S., reserved for individuals with extraordinary ability demonstrated by sustained national or international acclaim. Applicants must provide extensive evidence of their achievements. Unlike many other green card options, the EB-1A does not require a job offer—qualified individuals can self- petition, making it a uniquely flexible path for top talent in their field.

Advantages of the EB-1A Visa

Self-petition allowed: No employer sponsorship is needed.

No PERM labor certification required

Faster processing than most other green card categories

Premium Processing available for Form I-140 (15 calendar days)

Spouse and children may also obtain green cards (under the E-14 and E-15 categories)

The EB-1A Application Process

1. File Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker)

You (or your attorney) file this petition directly with USCIS.

2. Wait for Priority Date to Become Current

Most EB-1A applicants enjoy current visa availability, which means no long wait times, especially for applicants from most countries.

3. Apply for Adjustment of Status (Form I-485)

If you're already in the U.S., you can file for your green card through adjustment of status. If you're abroad, you'll proceed with consular processing.

4. Biometrics, Interview, and Final Approval

Once USCIS completes your background checks and approves your application, you'll receive your green card.

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How Does EB-1A Compare to the O-1 Visa?

While both the EB-1A and O-1 visa cater to individuals with extraordinary ability, there are important distinctions:

EB-1A leads directly to a green card, while O-1 is temporary and non-immigrant.

EB-1A applicants can self-petition, while O-1 requires a U.S. sponsor.

Evidence requirements are similar, but EB-1A requires a higher threshold of sustained national or international acclaim.

Who Qualifies for the EB-1A Visa?

To be eligible for an EB-1A green card, you must:

Work in a field such as science, arts, education, business, or athletics.

Demonstrate a level of expertise significantly above that ordinarily encountered.

Show sustained national or international acclaim.

Intend to continue working in your area of expertise.

Prove that your presence will substantially benefit the United States.

You must also provide extensive evidence meeting at least 3 out of 10 criteria set by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), or show a one-time major international achievement (such as a Nobel Prize, Olympic medal, or Pulitzer).

EB-1A Criteria – Evidence of Extraordinary Ability

USCIS considers a wide range of evidence. You must meet at least 3 of the following 10 regulatory criteria:

Recognized awards for excellence

Membership in prestigious associations

Media coverage about you

Judging others' work

Major original contributions to your field

Scholarly publications

Key roles in distinguished organizations

High salary or compensation

Commercial success in the arts

Artistic exhibitions (for artists)

Simply submitting documents isn't enough—your evidence must be clearly explained and tied to the legal standards.