If you are exceptionally talented in the arts, sciences, business, education, or athletics, the EB1A visa may be your golden ticket to US permanent residence.
One should note that one of the significant advantages of the EB1A visa is that you do not need a job offer from a US employer to apply. And, as it is premium processing eligible, your application can be processed within as little as 15 days.
In this guide, I will walk you through everything you need to know about the EB1A visa. Continue reading!
What is the EB1A Visa?
The EB1A is an immigration visa for people who are at the very top of their field in arts, sciences, business, education, or athletics.
To qualify, you must show:
- You possess an extraordinary ability.
- You will keep working in your area of expertise when you immigrate to the US.
“Extraordinary ability” refers to the fact that you’re among the small percentage of people who’ve reached the top of your field. You can prove this by showing major awards, high earnings, published articles, and other achievements.
The EB1A is a green card category, so it makes you, your spouse, and children permanent residents. You can also file by yourself without a US company sponsoring you.
EB1A is for top performers in arts, sciences, business, education, or athletics.
You must show you have extraordinary ability and will persist in working in your field in the US.
It leads to a green card for you and your family.
What are the Benefits of an EB1A Visa?
The following are the most important reasons why the EB1A is such a popular option:
No Employer Sponsorship Required
The majority of work green cards need to be sponsored by a US employer and have a Labor Certification (proof no qualified US worker was available for the position). For EB1A, though, you can petition alone without a Labor Certification or job offer.
It’s a Green Card Visa
Unlike non-immigrant visas, the EB1A is an immigrant visa, meaning it does give you permanent residence in the US. Your children and spouse under 21 can obtain their green cards as well with your approval.
Premium Processing Available
With premium processing, USCIS will review your petition in 15 days. The premium processing fee is currently $2,805, but it does save you months of waiting time in comparison to other visas.
What are the Requirements of an EB1A Visa?
You must show three things to qualify for an EB1A visa:
- You have extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics.
- You intend to work in your field after you arrive in the US.
- Your presence will benefit the US.
How Do You Show Extraordinary Ability?
This is the most critical part of your application. USCIS defines it as “a degree of expertise indicating that the individual is among that small minority who have attained the highest level of the field.” There are two ways to prove Extraordinary Ability:
- Document a major, internationally recognized award, e.g., Nobel Prize, Grammy, or Oscar.
- If you don’t have such an award, you must meet at least 3 of these 10 criteria:
- Receipt of lesser nationally or internationally recognized awards for excellence.
- Membership in associations that require distinguished accomplishment.
- Published articles regarding you in major media or professional journals.
- Acting as a judge of the work of others in your profession.
- Original contributions of major significance in your profession.
- Publication of scholarly articles in professional journals or major media.
- Display of your work in art exhibitions or showcases.
- Starring or critical performance for high-reputation organizations.
- Receiving a high salary compared to others in your field.
- Commercial success in the performing arts, i.e., box office or album sales that are good.
EB-1A Visa Application Process
Step 1: Determine Eligibility
You must either provide evidence of a major internationally-recognized award or 3 of the 10 criteria above:
Step 2: Prepare and File Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker)
File Form I-140 with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Submit evidence of your extraordinary ability (proof of awards, publications, media coverage, etc.).
Step 3: File Form I-485
Once your I-140 is approved and your priority date is current, you can file Form I-485 to adjust your status to EB-1A and become a permanent resident.
If a visa number is available, you can file the I-140 and I-485 together (concurrent filing), which also enables you to apply for a work permit and travel document while your green card is pending.
Step 4: Biometrics and Interview
After filing Form I-485, USCIS will schedule a biometrics appointment to take fingerprints, photos, and signatures.
USCIS may also require an interview to verify the authenticity of your application and supporting evidence.
Bring original documents and be prepared to discuss your qualifications and achievements.
Step 5: Receive a Decision
If approved, you’ll receive:
Approval of the I-140 petition
Green card approval (if concurrently filed)
If denied, USCIS will provide the reason and information on how to appeal or file a motion to reopen.
How Does USCIS Decide to Approve or Deny an Application?
USCIS uses a two-step review process:
Step 1: Evidentiary Threshold
They determine if you have met at least 3 of the 10 criteria. The quality of your evidence is considered here.
Step 2: Final Merits Determination
They go through everything that you had submitted to establish if you truly are one of the leading figures in your field, with ongoing national or international acclaim.
EB-1A Visa Processing Time
The processing time for an EB1A visa varies. It can take USCIS 6 to 9 months to process your petition without premium processing.
If you choose premium processing, however, USCIS will decide your EB-1A petition within 15 calendar days at an additional fee.
Keep in mind that after approval, if you’re applying from outside the US, consular processing for your green card can add a few more months to the overall timeline.
Is It Hard to Get an EB1A Visa?
Yes, it’s one of the toughest employment-based green cards to qualify for because of its high standards.
Fulfilling the above requirements is not enough—you must also show that your overall accomplishments are exceptional. But with strong evidence and professional representation, it is achievable for the right applicant.
What Documents Do You Need for an EB1A Visa?
The following are a few general documents you will require:
- Your resume or CV.
- Copies of your passport (for you and your family).
- Evidence of your extraordinary ability (e.g. publications, awards, salary records, citations).
- Letters of recommendation from experts in your field.
- Documents that prove your intent to work in your field in the US (job offer, contracts, or your own affidavit).
- Letters of Endorsement that are required to explain the worth of your work. But they should supplement your application and not be your only evidence. Decide well in advance who you will approach for these letters.
How Much Does an EB1A Visa Cost?
Here’s a quick rundown of typical EB-1A fees:
- Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition): $715
- Premium Processing (optional): $2,805
- Adjustment of Status (Form I-485): $1,440 (if applying within the US)
- Visa Application Fee: $325 (if applying outside the US)
These do not include lawyer fees and document preparation fees. There are also fees for dependent family members.
What’s the Difference Between EB1A vs EB1C Visa?
They’re both under the EB-1 category but have different functions:
- EB1A: For aliens of extraordinary ability. No employer sponsorship necessary; may self-petition.
- EB1C: For multinational managers or executives coming to a US branch. Requires job offer and at least one year of employment with a foreign affiliate.
If you’re a researcher, artist, or athlete, EB1A is the better choice. If you’re a senior-level manager in a multinational company, EB1C is the route to take.
What is the EB1A Visa Approval Rate in 2025?
According to USCIS data from Fiscal Year 2024 shows the EB-1A visa had an approval rate of about 60%, down from around 70% in previous years. In comparison, EB-1B approvals were over 84%, while EB-2 NIW stood at about 63%.
This means EB-1A is becoming more competitive, with stricter reviews. You’ll need a strong track record and solid documentation to prove you’re among the top in your field.
In addition, Requests for Evidence (RFEs) are common. USCIS regularly asks for additional information before they will make a decision, so it is advantageous to have a knowledgeable immigration lawyer to greatly strengthen your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a job offer for the EB-1A visa?
No. You can petition yourself and do not need a US employer to sponsor you.
Can my family receive green cards with my EB-1A approval?
Yes. Your single children under 21 and spouse can become permanent residents too.
Can I apply for EB-1A from outside the US?
Yes. You can apply via consular processing if you are outside of the United States.
Do I require an immigration lawyer for EB-1A?
No, but it’s highly recommended due to the complex requirements and high standard of approval level.
Final Thoughts
The EB1A visa is a great option if you are a prominent individual in the arts, sciences, business, education, or sports.
You will have to show that you possess exceptional ability with national or international recognition, you’ll be employed in your field in the US and your work will benefit the US.
Now that you have a clearer picture of the EB1A visa process, you can decide if it’s the right choice for you.
