The Employment-Based First Preference Immigrant Visa, or EB-1A visa, is a highly sought-after route for foreign nationals with exceptional abilities to become permanent residents of the United States. This visa category has a long history that dates back to the middle of the 20th century and was created by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Its evolution is a reflection of both the shifting immigration environment in the United States and the acknowledgment of extraordinary talent from throughout the globe.

History and Legal Structure

The McCarran-Walter Act, often known as the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, is where the EB-1A visa originated. With the repeal of racial and ethnic quotas and the establishment of a preference system based on job, family ties, and refugee status, this historic legislation completely reformed U.S. immigration laws. But until later versions, the idea of drawing people with exceptional ability was left out expressly.

The U.S. immigration system underwent substantial revisions in 1990 with the passage of the Immigration Act of 1990, which also saw the establishment of the EB-1 visa category. This category included three subtypes: EB-1A for exceptionally talented persons, EB-1B for distinguished professors and researchers, and EB-1C for executives and managers of multinational corporations. Those with exceptional talent in the arts, sciences, business, education, or athletics were the target audience for the EB-1A visa.

Important requirements and criteria

Among the various types of immigration visas, the EB-1A visa is special in that it doesn’t need sponsorship from a family member or employer. Instead, in order to prove their exceptional talent and prove their eligibility for permanent residency, candidates must complete strict requirements. These requirements, as stated by USCIS, consist of:

1. Extraordinary Ability: Candidates must present proof of ongoing prominence in their area on a national or worldwide level, as shown by noteworthy accomplishments, honors, publications, media attention, or contributions of great importance.
2. Documentary Evidence: Applicants must present a thorough portfolio of supporting documents, such as publications, patents, exhibition records, reference letters, and other pertinent materials, to validate their claims of outstanding talent.
3. Impact & Influence: When assessing an applicant, USCIS takes into account various aspects of their work, including the degree of recognition received from peers and industry experts, the relevance of their contributions, and the long-term effects of their work.
4. No Requirement for a Job Offer: The EB-1A visa, in contrast to many other employment-based visa categories, does not require a labor certification or a job offer, enabling individuals to self-petition for permanent residency based only on their exceptional qualities.

Legal Precedents and Notable Cases

Over time, a number of significant cases have influenced how the EB-1A visa requirements are interpreted and applied. One such case is Kazarian v. USCIS, in which the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals rendered a significant ruling in 2006. In this instance, the court made it clear that USCIS was required to assess the applicant’s entire body of evidence and take into account both the qualitative and quantitative components of their accomplishments. The ruling stressed that exceptional ability is determined by the total impact and relevance of the applicant’s contributions rather than being restricted to a particular amount or kind of accomplishments.

Matter of Dhanasar, a precedent-setting ruling by the USCIS Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) in 2016, is another noteworthy case. This lawsuit created the “Dhanasar test,” a new system for determining an applicant’s eligibility for an EB-1A visa. In order to pass this exam, candidates must exhibit three essential components:

1. Extraordinary Ability: Consistent national or international recognition and praise in their field are proof of the applicant’s extraordinary ability.
2. Proposed Endeavor: The candidate must demonstrate that their presence will significantly help the United States and that they intend to continue working in their field of remarkable talent there.
3. National Interest: The applicant must demonstrate that the exempting their work from the labor certification requirement would be in the best interests of the country and that their work has significant significance.

Current Patterns and Difficulties

The EB-1A visa has grown in popularity in recent years among highly skilled foreign nationals looking to relocate to the US. Due to the increased demand for this type of visa, USCIS adjudicators are scrutinizing applications more closely and processing times are lengthier. Because of this, candidates need to meticulously record their accomplishments and offer strong proof in order to satisfy the demanding requirements of the EB-1A criteria.

In addition, the EB-1A visa program’s environment has been impacted by modifications to U.S. immigration policy and priorities. An increase in the inspection of visa applications and the denial of specific categories, such as the EB-1A visa, resulted from the Trump administration’s “Buy American and Hire American” executive order, which was issued in 2017. The order urged federal agencies to prioritize the preservation of American workers and salaries.

In addition, new difficulties brought about by the COVID-19 epidemic for EB-1A applicants include delays in visa processing, shutdown of consulates, and limitations on travel. Many people have experienced uncertainty and disruption in their immigration plans, which has caused them to look for other options or put off applying until things get better.

Prospects & Opportunities for the Future

Notwithstanding the difficulties and ambiguities associated with the EB-1A visa procedure; there are plenty of chances for gifted people with exceptional ability to follow their ambitions in the US. There is hope for improvements to the EB-1A visa process since the Biden administration has indicated a commitment to comprehensive immigration reform and policies that draw and keep foreign talent.

Furthermore, the need for specialized knowledge in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) disciplines and the growing interconnection of the world provide an ideal environment for people with exceptional talent to flourish and contribute significantly in the US. The EB-1A visa continues to be an essential route for developing talent, diversity, and excellence in the American workforce and society as the globe innovates and changes.

In conclusion, the EB-1A visa’s history demonstrates America’s unwavering dedication to drawing and admitting people with exceptional potential and aptitude. With its roots in immigration reform and continuing through significant cases and policy revisions, the EB-1A visa has given many people the chance to follow their passions, grow in their careers, and add to the diverse fabric of American society. The EB-1A visa will continue to be a source of opportunity and hope as time goes on for future generations.

By: Karim Jivani

Karim Jivani is an Associate Attorney at Reddy Neumann Brown PC who focuses on employment-based non-immigrant visas. Karim’s practice covers all phases of the EB-1A and EB-2 NIW visa process including filing petitions, responding to Requests for Evidence (RFE), and drafting motions and appeals. Karim has also worked on all aspects of H-1B, L-1, I-140, and VAWA petitions.