EB-1A Extraordinary Ability
Green Card

Permanent residency for the world's most accomplished professionals. Self-petition with no job offer, no employer sponsor, and no labour certification required.

The Most Prestigious
Employment-Based Green Card

The EB-1A is the first preference employment-based green card category, reserved for individuals with extraordinary ability who have risen to the very top of their field. It carries the shortest backlogs of all employment-based green card categories.

  • 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

Visa TypeImmigrant (Green Card)
PetitionerSelf or Employer
Job Offer RequiredNo
Labour CertificationNot required
Annual Cap40,000 (EB-1 category)
Premium ProcessingAvailable for I-140
Concurrent FilingAllowed when priority date is current
Approval Rate (Veripass)94%
Qualification

Meet 3 of These 10 Criteria

USCIS requires you to satisfy at least 3 of 10 criteria — or provide evidence of a major, internationally recognised award (like a Nobel Prize).

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 typically qualifies for
an EB-1A Green Card?

You don't need to be a Nobel laureate. Our EB-1A approvals span researchers, engineers, founders, doctors, athletes, and creatives.

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

Can I file while outside the United States?

Yes. You file the I-140 petition from anywhere in the world. If 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 EB-1A take from filing to Green Card?

With premium processing, I-140 approval takes ~15 business days. For most nationalities, the EB-1 category is current (no backlog), so Adjustment of Status or consular processing can proceed immediately. Total time is often 12–18 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. This can be demonstrated through an offer of employment, research position, or stated plans that are consistent with your field.

Ready to Self-Petition for Your Green Card?

Our attorneys have built over 400 successful EB-1A petitions. Let us evaluate yours — free.