EB1-A Green Card for Extraordinary Ability

The EB1‑A visa, also known as the Alien of Extraordinary Ability, is a top-tier employment-based green card category for individuals who have reached the pinnacle of achievement in sciences, arts, business, education, or athletics. Unlike most other employment-based categories, EB1‑A allows self-petitioning, meaning you don’t need a job offer or labor certification—though the intent must be to continue working in your field in the U.S.

Applicants must satisfy a three-pronged test:

1. Sustained national or international acclaim—via either a significant award (e.g., Nobel Prize) or at least three of ten regulatory criteria, such as published materials, judging others’ work, or original contributions.

2. Intention to continue working in the acclaimed field after moving to the U.S. (letters of employment intent, contracts, etc. often used as proof).

3. Evidence that the applicant's presence will benefit the U.S., typically demonstrated through other criteria already met.

Applicants must either have a one-time major international award or meet at least three of the following:

• National or international prizes
• Membership in selective associations
• Published material or media coverage
• Serving as a judge of others’ work
• Original, significant contributions
• Scholarly article authorship
• Exhibitions or presentations
• Prestigious roles in organizations
• High salary or commercial success
• Other comparable evidence

Strategic Tips:

• Define your field narrowly to improve chances of being in the top few percent.
• Provide comparisons to peer researchers or professionals, showing evidence like citation counts, journal prestige, or awards in context.
• Use high-quality reference letters detailing your impact and benefit to your field—with specifics about your original contributions.

Benefits and Timeline:

• Self-petitioned, with no labor certification delays.
• Premium processing available—decisions in ~15 days.
• Priority dates for EB‑1 categories are often current, avoiding long backlogs.
• If in the U.S., file concurrent I‑485 (AOS); if abroad, go through consular processing.

Real-World Success:

• A gynecology visiting scientist got approved in 6 days with premium processing.
• A neuroscience research fellow obtained EB‑1A in just 7 days.
• Even after denials or RFEs, many candidates succeed on appeal to the AAO.