EB-1 Green Card

Employment-Based Immigration: First Preference EB-1:

  • The EB-1 green card category provides an individual with the ability to permanently work and reside in the U.S.

  • The EB-1A green card category is available for Individuals who possess extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics through sustained national or international acclaim.

No Petitioner Required:

  • Unlike most green card options, an individual may apply for an EB-1A green card without an employer sponsor.

  • The applicant can self-petition for this type of green card, and no labor certification / job market test is required.

EB-1A Green Card Requirements:

Applicants must show that they have either received a major internationally recognized award (e.g. equivalent to a Nobel Prize), or can provide evidence of at least 3 of the following:

  1. Evidence of receipt of lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence.

  2. Evidence of your membership in associations in the field which demand outstanding achievement of their members.

  3. Evidence of published material about you in professional or major trade publications or other major media.

  4. Evidence that you have been asked to judge the work of others, either individually or on a panel.

  5. Evidence of your original athletic contributions of major significance to the field.

  6. Evidence of your authorship of scholarly articles in professional or major trade publications or other major media.

  7. Evidence that your work has been displayed at artistic exhibitions or showcases.

  8. Evidence of your performance of a leading or critical role in distinguished organizations.

  9. Evidence that you command a high salary or other significantly high remuneration in relation to others in the field.

  10. Evidence of your commercial successes in the performing arts.

Application Process:

  • The applicant files an I-140 petition with USCIS

  • If the applicant is currently in the U.S. under a temporary visa classification, e.g. O-1 visa, the applicant may apply for Adjustment of Status.

  • If the applicant is not in the U.S., after the I-140 petition is approved the applicant must apply for an immigrant visa stamp at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate in their home country.

Family Members:

  • Spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 may be included in the green card application.

More Information:

Revised April 8, 2023.