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EB-1A — Extraordinary Ability green card
Self-petition green card for individuals with sustained national or international acclaim in their field.
About the EB-1A
The EB-1A is a first-preference, employment-based green card category for individuals at the very top of their field. It does not require an employer sponsor or a job offer — you petition on your own behalf based on your record.
USCIS uses a two-step analysis. First, you must satisfy at least 3 of 10 regulatory criteria (or show a one-time achievement like a major internationally recognized award). Second, USCIS performs a final-merits review of the totality of your evidence to confirm you are among the small percentage at the top of your field and that you have sustained acclaim.
Strong EB-1A profiles typically combine independent recognition (press, awards, judging), original contributions with documented impact, and a clear forward-looking plan to continue the work in the United States.
Who it's for
- Researchers and scientists with high-impact publications and citations
- Founders and executives with industry recognition and measurable outcomes
- Artists, athletes, and performers with sustained acclaim
- Engineers and product leaders shaping their field at notable organizations
What USCIS evaluates
- 01Nationally or internationally recognized awards
- 02Memberships requiring outstanding achievement
- 03Published material about you in professional or major media
- 04Judging the work of others (peer review, juries, editorial)
- 05Original contributions of major significance
- 06Authored scholarly articles
- 07Display of work at exhibitions or showcases
- 08Leading or critical role at distinguished organizations
- 09High salary or remuneration relative to peers
- 10Commercial success in the performing arts
Good to know
- Meeting 3 criteria is necessary but not sufficient — the final-merits review is where most cases are actually decided.
- Recommendation letters help, but they cannot replace independent, verifiable evidence.
- EB-1A is current for most countries in most months, which is why it is one of the fastest green-card paths when you qualify.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a job offer for EB-1A?
No. EB-1A is a self-petition category — you do not need a U.S. employer to sponsor you.
How many of the 10 criteria do I need to meet?
You must satisfy at least 3 of the 10 regulatory criteria, then pass a final-merits review showing sustained national or international acclaim.
Can I file EB-1A while on an O-1 or H-1B?
Yes. EB-1A is filed independently of your current nonimmigrant status and is commonly filed by O-1 and H-1B holders.
How long does EB-1A take?
Processing times vary, but EB-1A is generally the fastest employment-based green card path because priority dates are current for most countries most of the time. Premium processing is also available for the I-140.
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Explore other visa paths
I’m an entrepreneur, researcher, founder, athlete, artist, or business executive with broad national or international recognition in my field, seeking a temporary work visa based on extraordinary ability, not a green card.
I’m a content creator, influencer, or artist in a field such as music, dance, theater, visual arts, or performance with a record of extraordinary achievement and sustained recognition.
I’m a professional in the motion picture or television industry with a record of extraordinary achievement and recognition for my work on films, series, productions, or credited projects.
Green card for outstanding researchers and professors with at least 3 years of experience. Requires a U.S. employer sponsor.
I’m a senior manager or executive at a company outside the U.S. that has a related U.S. office, subsidiary, parent, or affiliate, and I’m being transferred to lead that U.S. operation or a major part of it.
I’m a professional with an advanced degree or exceptional ability whose work has substantial merit and national importance to the United States — in science, technology, health, business, education, or another field. I can show my contributions benefit the U.S. enough that the usual labor certification requirement should be waived.
This A.I assessment is informational and educational. AI can make mistakes. It does not constitute legal advice, and we are not a law firm. Eligibility for U.S. visas is ultimately determined by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services or U.S. Department of State officers based on the totality of evidence and applicable regulations. For legal representation in your immigration matter, please consult a licensed immigration attorney. Agora Visa is a service of Agora Works LLC.