EB-1As for Individuals of Extraordinary Ability

The EB-1A visa, also known as the Employment-Based First Preference Visa, is a U.S. immigrant visa category designed for foreign nationals with extraordinary ability in their field. This visa category is part of the employment-based green card preference system, and it allows individuals with exceptional talent and expertise to obtain lawful permanent resident status (a green card) in the United States.

Key Features

Here are the key features that come with this visa:

To qualify for the EB-1A visa, applicants must demonstrate exceptional ability in their field. This ability should be recognized nationally or internationally; the applicant must be among the top in their field. Extraordinary ability can be in various areas, including the sciences, arts, education, business, and athletics.

No Job Offer Required

Unlike many other employment-based green card categories, the EB-1A does not require a specific job offer from a U.S. employer. Applicants can self-petition, meaning they can apply on their behalf without needing a sponsoring employer.

Criteria for Extraordinary Ability

Applicants must provide evidence of their extraordinary ability, which may include awards, recognitions, significant contributions to their field, publications, memberships in professional organizations, and other forms of documentation that demonstrate their exceptional talent.

Fast-Track to Green Card

“The EB-1A is considered a fast-track "preference category” for green cards because visa numbers are normally available much sooner than other preference categories.

Green Card

Once the EB-1A petition is approved, applicants can file Form I-485 to adjust their status to lawful permanent resident if they are in the United States. If they are outside the U.S., they can go through consular processing to obtain their green card.

Criteria for Demonstrating Extraordinary Ability

In order to demonstrate you have sustained national or international acclaim and that your achievements have been recognized in your field of expertise, you must either include evidence of a one-time achievement (major internationally-recognized award) or 3 of the 10 listed criteria below (or comparable evidence if any of the criteria do not readily apply):

Evidence of receipt of lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence
Evidence of your membership in associations in the field which demand outstanding achievement of their members
Evidence of published material about you in professional or major trade publications or other major media
Evidence that you have been asked to judge the work of others, either individually or on a panel
Evidence of your original scientific, scholarly, artistic, athletic, or business-related contributions of major significance to the field
Evidence of your authorship of scholarly articles in professional or major trade publications or other major media
Evidence that your work has been displayed at artistic exhibitions or showcases
Evidence of your performance of a leading or critical role in distinguished organizations
Evidence that you command a high salary or other significantly high remuneration in relation to others in the field
Evidence of your commercial successes in the performing arts

Our Role

Initial Assessment and Eligibility

At Francis Law, we start your process by conducting a thorough assessment to determine your eligibility for the EB-1C category. We will evaluate your achievements and contributions in your field to ascertain whether you meet the criteria for extraordinary ability.

Personalized Strategy

We shall develop a personalized strategy for your EB-1A application based on our assessment. They will help you understand what evidence is required and how to gather it effectively to meet the stringent criteria.

Document Compilation and Review

We will guide you through compiling the necessary documentation and evidence to support your EB-1A petition. This includes preparing reference letters, collecting awards and recognitions, and organizing published materials.

Expert Legal Advice

As immigration law experts, we will provide expert legal advice on the nuances of the EB-1A application process. We ensure your case adheres to immigration laws and regulations and help you make a compelling argument for your extraordinary ability.

Timely Response to USCIS

In case of any requests for additional information or issues raised by USCIS during the review process, we will respond promptly and effectively, addressing concerns and expediting the adjudication process.

Application Submission

Our incredible team will help you prepare and submit your EB-1A petition to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). They will ensure that all required forms and supporting materials are complete, accurate, and submitted on time.

Client Support

The Francis Law is dedicated to keeping you informed about the progress of your application and providing you with ongoing support. They are available to answer your questions and address any concerns arising during the process.

Reach out to us Today

Being committed to our clients is our promise. The service that we promise, we tend to deliver. This can be reflected by the incredible work ethic possessed by our team. Your case could be a success story in the near future!

Reach out to us today for a consultation. Don’t forget to connect with us on our socials to stay in touch with us and stay updated on employment-based immigration news.