The EB-1A Green Card:
Permanent Residency by Merit

Permanent residency for the world's most accomplished professionals. Self-petitioned, with no job offer, no employer sponsor, and no labour certification required. The EB-1A doesn't ask you to wait for someone else to vouch for you. It asks you to prove what you've already done.

Permanent Residency, Earned
on Your Own Terms

The EB-1A is a first-preference green card for individuals at the very top of their field. It also has some of the shortest backlogs, making the path to permanent residency faster than many other employment-based options.

  • Self-petition with Form I-140

    File your own green card petition without relying on an employer to sponsor you.

  • No employer or job offer required

    Your extraordinary achievements speak for themselves. No employer sponsor is needed to file.

  • No PERM labour certification

    Skip the time-consuming labour market test entirely. It is fully waived for EB-1A petitions.

  • Shortest EB green card backlogs

    Priority dates are typically current or near-current for most nationalities.

Quick Facts at a Glance

Visa TypeImmigrant (Green Card)
PetitionerSelf or employer
Job Offer RequiredNo
Labour CertificationNot required
Annual Cap40,000 (EB-1 category)
Premium ProcessingAvailable for Form I-140
Concurrent FilingAllowed when your priority date is current
Veripass Approval Rate94%
Qualification

Meet 3 of These 10 Criteria

USCIS defines extraordinary ability as meeting at least 3 of its 10 criteria or providing evidence of a major internationally recognised award, such as a Nobel Prize, but many applicants are closer to qualifying than they realise when their achievements are properly framed.

Lesser Nationally Recognised Prizes

Prizes or awards for excellence in the field of endeavour.

Membership in Associations

Membership in associations requiring outstanding achievement, judged by recognised national or international experts.

Published Material About You

Published material about you in professional publications, major trade publications, or other major media.

Judging Others' Work

Participating, individually or on a panel, as a judge of the work of others in your field.

Original Contributions of Major Significance

Evidence of original scientific, scholarly, artistic, athletic, or business-related contributions of major significance.

Authorship of Scholarly Articles

Authorship of scholarly articles in professional or major trade publications or other major media.

Display of Work at Exhibitions

Display of your work in the field at artistic exhibitions or showcases.

Leading or Critical Role

Performance of a leading or critical role for organisations or establishments with a distinguished reputation.

High Salary or Remuneration

Evidence of a high salary or other remuneration for services, compared to others in the field.

Commercial Success in the Arts

Evidence of commercial successes in the performing arts (box office receipts, album sales, etc.).

Fields We Serve

Who Qualifies for the EB-1A

You don't need to be a Nobel laureate. Veripass has secured EB-1A approvals for researchers, engineers, founders, doctors, athletes, and creatives — professionals who, until they spoke with us, had no idea how close their existing record already was to a green card.

Researchers (PhDs, postdocs, faculty)
Industry Scientists
Tech Founders & Executives
Senior Software Engineers
Medical Specialists
Olympic & Professional Athletes
Award-Winning Artists
Distinguished Entrepreneurs

The Veripass Advantage for EB-1A Applicants

Self-petitioning means there's no employer's legal team standing behind your case. The strength of your petition depends entirely on how well your achievements are built into evidence. That's where Veripass earns its place.

400+ Successful EB-1A Petitions

Over 400 successful EB-1A petitions built and filed by our team.

94% Approval Rate

On cases as specialised as yours.

Dedicated Case Team

A dedicated attorney and paralegal who structures your evidence around your strongest criteria.

24/7 Client Portal

So you always know exactly where your case stands.

Life in the US

Iconic Places to Explore
in the United States

From the vibrant energy of Times Square to the timeless grandeur of the Grand Canyon, life in the United States means access to some of the world's most legendary landmarks — and a country where ambition has no ceiling.

Statue of Liberty
Grand Canyon
Golden Gate Bridge
Times Square, New York
The White House
Lincoln Memorial
FAQ

EB-1A Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the EB-1A and O-1A?

The O-1A is a temporary, non-immigrant work visa; the EB-1A grants permanent residency — a green card. Both use similar evidence standards, but the EB-1A allows self-petition, while the O-1A requires an employer or agent. Many Veripass clients pursue both at the same time.

Can I file while outside the United States?

Yes. You can file the I-140 petition from anywhere in the world. If it's approved and your priority date is current, you proceed through consular processing at your local US embassy rather than Adjustment of Status.

How long does the EB-1A take from filing to green card?

With premium processing, I-140 approval takes approximately 15 business days. For most nationalities, the EB-1 category is currently with no backlog, so Adjustment of Status or consular processing can proceed immediately afterwards. Total time is often 12 to 18 months.

Do I need to intend to continue working in my field?

Yes. USCIS requires evidence that you intend to continue working in your area of extraordinary ability — demonstrated through an offer of employment, a research position, or clearly stated plans consistent with your field.

Ready to Self-Petition for Your Green Card?

Our attorneys have built successful EB-1A petitions. Let us evaluate yours for free.