EB-1A Extraordinary Ability Visa Attorney

The EB-1A visa is for individuals who can demonstrate extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. Applicants may self-petition and do not need a job offer or employer sponsorship. This independence makes EB-1A especially attractive for accomplished professionals who want control over their green card process. 

Eligibility 

Applicants must show sustained national or international acclaim and provide evidence that they will continue to work in their field of extraordinary ability. 

They must meet at least three of the following criteria, unless they have received a single, internationally recognized major award (e.g., Nobel Prize, Academy Award, Olympic medal), which by itself may be sufficient: 

1. Major national or international awards for excellence 
2. Memberships in associations requiring outstanding achievement 
3. Published material in major media about the applicant’s work 
4. Original contributions of major significance to the field 
5. Authorship of scholarly articles 
6. Service in a critical or essential role for a distinguished organization 
7. High salary or other significantly high remuneration compared to peers 
8. Judging the work of others in the field 
9. Artistic exhibitions or showcases (for artists) 
10. Commercial success in the performing arts 

II. Outstanding Professors and Researchers 

The EB-1B visa is designed for professors and researchers who have achieved international recognition for their academic contributions. This category requires a job offer from a U.S. university, institution of higher education, or a qualifying private employer with a strong research record. 

Eligibility: 

• Demonstrate international recognition for outstanding achievements in a particular academic field. 
• Show at least three years of teaching or research experience in that field. 
• Have a permanent job offer for a tenure-track teaching position or a comparable research role at a qualifying U.S. institution. If employment is with a private employer, they must show documented accomplishments and that it employs at least 3 full-time researchers. 

Applicants must meet at least 2 of the 6 criteria below: 



1. Major prizes or awards for outstanding achievement. 
2. Membership in associations requiring outstanding achievement. 
3. Published material written by others about the applicant’s work. 
4. Participation as a judge of the work of others in the field. 
5. Original scientific or scholarly contributions. 
6. Authorship of scholarly books or articles in the field.