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What is an EB-1?

  • EB-1 is the first preference category to obtain a green card. The EB-1 category is divided into 3 different occupational categories, each having their own requirements. The 3 categories are: EB-1A Persons of Extraordinary Ability; EB-1B Outstanding Professors and Researchers; and EB-1C Multinational Executives and Managers. 28.6% of employment-based green cards annually available are allocated to the EB-1 category.

EB-1A Extraordinary Ability

For foreign citizens with exceptional ability in their disciplines, the EB-1A Green Card Category is a highly sought-after immigration category. This category is a component of the Employment-Based Green Card (EB) program, which offers permanent residency to anyone who meet certain requirements.

EB-1A visa holders are regarded as the best in their disciplines, and organizations, governments, and professionals in their fields have recognized and honored them for their accomplishments. Researchers, teachers, corporate executives, and others who have made remarkable contributions to their disciplines are eligible for this category.

The EB-1A Green Card Category might be compared to the immigration equivalent of the “Olympic Gold Medal.” The EB-1A Green Card is the highest immigration category open to foreign nationals, just as the Olympic Gold Medal is the highest honor an athlete can receive. The people who receive the EB-1A Green Cards are regarded by immigration officials as the greatest in their respective industries and as top talent.

An individual must be able to prove that they have won a significant, global honor or recognition, like the Nobel Prize or an Olympic Gold Medal, in order to be eligible for the EB-1A Green Card. Additionally, they must offer proof of their remarkable skills, such as a long list of publications, citations, or endorsements from colleagues in their field.

What Are the Criteria for EB-1A Eligibility?

  • The EB-1A visa is for applicants that are considered to have an extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, business, or athletics and is demonstrated by sustained national or international acclaim. This visa is usually reserved for those that are considered to be at the top of their respective fields. Eligibility for the EB-1A visa can be met in one of the following two ways:
    1. Provide evidence of a one-time achievement like a major international award.
    2. Provide evidence that the applicant can demonstrate meeting at least three of the Examples of such achievements are a Pulitzer, Nobel Prize, Oscar, Olympic Medal, etc.; OR meet 3 out of the 10 criteria below:
      1. Evidence of receipt of lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes awards for excellence;
      2. Evidence of your membership in associations in the field which demand outstanding achievement of their members;
      3. Evidence of published material about you in professional or major publications or other major media;
      4. Evidence that you have been asked to judge the work of others, individually or a panel;
      5. Evidence of your original scientific, scholarly, artistic, or business-related contributions of major significance to the field;
      6. Evidence of your authorship of scholarly articles in professional or major trade publications or other major media;
      7. Evidence that your work has been displayed at artistic exhibitions or showcases;
      8. Evidence of your performance of a leading or critical role in distinguished organizations;
      9. Evidence that you command a high salary or other significantly high remuneration to others in the field;
      10. Evidence of your commercial successes in the performing arts.
 

What is the Benefit of an EB-1 Green Card

  • A benefit of filing under any of the EB-1 preference categories is that your employer is not required to go through the PERM Labor Certification process to test the U.S. labor market, and can file the I-140 petition at the start, which allows for obtaining the green card faster. The I-140 petitions for EB-1B and EB-1C must still be sponsored by the employer, however the applicants’ themselves can self-petition if filing under EB-1A. In addition, the EB-1 category is given the highest preference in visa number availability so there is often no waiting for a green card to be available, meaning an adjustment of status application can often be filed along with the EB-1 I-140 petition.

For people who have achieved outstanding achievement in their particular disciplines, the EB-1A Green Card Category is a fantastic option. This category offers a way to obtain permanent residency in the US and is the highest form of acknowledgment for their services and accomplishments. An excellent way to describe this immigration category’s distinction and stringent standards is to compare it to a “Olympic Gold Medal,” which also shows the remarkable skills of those who are granted an EB-1A Green Card. Our immigration attorneys in Houston have the experience and knowledge necessary to guide you through the process and can provide reliable and efficient solutions to help you achieve your immigration goals in the U.S.

If you are in need of a US work visa or permanent residency, speak with one of our immigration lawyers. Please contact us online, call our Houston business immigration attorney office directly at 713-953-7787, or schedule a consultation.