EB-1 Visas

EB-1 visas offer a fast-track path to a Green Card for individuals with extraordinary ability, outstanding achievements, or executive leadership roles.

EB-1 visas are one of the most desirable employment-based immigrant visas in the United States. They provide a direct route to permanent residency for those who meet strict eligibility criteria. If you can provide strong documentation that you qualify under one of the three EB-1 categories, you may be eligible to apply without a labor certification.

Why Choose an EB-1 Visa?

The EB-1 category is attractive for several reasons:

• No labor certification required from the Department of Labor

• Priority dates are typically current, so applicants can often apply immediately

• Premium processing is available, with potential approval in as little as 15 business days

Types of EB-1 Visas

There are three subcategories under the EB-1 classification:

Extraordinary Ability (EB-1A)

This visa is for individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics through sustained national or international acclaim. You may self-petition without a job offer.

Applicants must provide evidence in at least 3 of the following 10 areas:

• Receipt of nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards

• Membership in associations requiring outstanding achievement

• Published material about you in major media or professional publications

• Participation as a judge of others’ work

• Original contributions of major significance in the field

• Authorship of scholarly articles

• Display of your work at exhibitions or showcases

• Leading or critical role in distinguished organizations

• High salary or remuneration

• Commercial success in the performing arts

Outstanding Professors and Researchers (EB-1B)

This visa is for professors and researchers recognized internationally for outstanding academic work.

To qualify, you must:

• Have at least three years of teaching or research experience

• Hold a job offer from a U.S. employer in a tenured, tenure-track, or comparable research position

• Provide documentation of international recognition in your field (at least 2 of the 6 evidentiary criteria similar to EB-1A)

This category does not allow self-petitioning.

Multinational Managers or Executives (EB-1C)

This visa is for executives or managers who have worked abroad for a multinational company and are being transferred to a U.S. office.

To qualify, you must:

• Have worked for the foreign company for at least one year in the past three years

• Be entering the U.S. to work in a managerial or executive capacity

• Be employed by a U.S. entity that has a qualifying relationship with the foreign company

How to Apply for an EB-1 Visa

Applying for an EB-1 visa involves:

1. Preparing detailed documentation to prove eligibility

2. Filing Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker

3. Requesting premium processing (optional)

4. If inside the U.S., filing Form I-485 for Adjustment of Status

5. If abroad, applying for an immigrant visa at a U.S. consulate

Once approved, the applicant receives lawful permanent resident status (Green Card).

How We Can Help

Preparing a strong EB-1 petition requires strategic planning and careful documentation. At U.S. Immigration Counsel, we understand what USCIS looks for and how to build a compelling case. Whether you are applying as an extraordinary individual or transferring as a multinational executive, our attorneys can guide you every step of the way.