EB-1A EXTRAORDINARY ABILITY GREEN CARD
EB-1A Overview
EB-1A, the first category of U.S. employment-based immigration, is formally known as "Extraordinary Ability" or commonly referred to as the "Outstanding Talent Green Card." This category was established by the United States to attract and recruit outstanding talents from around the world. One of the key advantages of the EB-1A is that it does not require sponsorship from a U.S. employer, allowing individuals to self-petition for immigration and obtain a permanent green card. It is also one of the faster methods to acquire a U.S. green card.
Applicants for the EB-1A must demonstrate that they have achieved significant success in fields such as science, art, education, business, or sports, and are recognized as exceptional talents in their professional field. Additionally, they must be able to continue working in their area of expertise after immigrating to the United States.
EB-1A Eligible Applicants
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Business Category
Company founders, corporate executives, public relations experts, marketing directors, creative directors, financial investors, etc.
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Science Category
Research scientists, doctors, scientists, traditional Chinese medicine experts, engineers, research project specialists, inventors, etc.
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Arts Category
Painters, calligraphers, dancers, musicians, models, hosts, directors, screenwriters, photographers, artists, fashion designers, animation designers, internet celebrities, etc.
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Education Category
University professors, school principals, language training teachers, educational scholars, academic tutors, textbook authors, etc.
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Sports Category
Athletes, coaches, sports event referees, martial artists, Tai Chi masters, etc.
Zero Investment, Permanent Green Cards for the Whole Family
No investment is required; the entire family can obtain green cards.
Minimal Restrictions on Applicants
No prerequisites for English proficiency, language skills, educational degrees, or age; applicants need only demonstrate significant achievements in their field.
Fast Processing and Quick Green Card Acquisition
EB-1A boasts a swift approval process and short waiting period. I-140 processing can be completed in as little as 15 days after submission.
Applicable to Talents in Various Fields
The EB-1A category for extraordinary ability encompasses a wide range of fields. It applies to exceptional talents in diverse areas such as science, art, directing, martial arts, culinary arts, design, pet grooming, and many others.
Reasonable Requirements for Applying
Qualifying as an extraordinary talent does not require winning a Nobel Prize or Olympic medal. Immigration law offers alternative criteria, where applicants need only meet three out of ten standards to apply.
EB-1A Requirements
To apply for EB-1A, applicants must meet any three of the following ten criteria
1. Receipt of nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards.
2. Membership in associations that require outstanding achievements of their members.
3. Published material in professional publications, major trade publications, or major media about the applicant and their work in the field; or significant media coverage of achievements in the field.
4. Participation as a judge (individually or as part of a panel) evaluating the work of others in the same or an allied field of specialization.
5. Original scientific, scholarly, artistic, athletic, or business-related contributions of major significance in the field.
6. Authorship of scholarly articles in professional journals or other major media in the field.
7. A significant role in distinguished organizations, teams, or institutions within their field.
8. A high salary or other significantly high remuneration for services, in comparison to others in the field.
9. Display of the applicant's work at artistic exhibitions or showcases in national or internationally recognized exhibitions and venues.
10. Commercial successes in the performing arts, as shown by box office receipts, record, cassette, compact disk, or video sales, etc.
Processing of EB-1A
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Contract Signing (1-2 weeks)
An immigration consultant develops the application strategy.
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Preparation of Application Materials (3-6 months)
Collect objective materials that substantiate the claim of extraordinary ability and present in clear and in depth manner to maximize the probability of success.
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Submission
Submit the I-140 application form to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
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Expedited Approval (15 days)
Receive approval for the I-140 immigration petition.
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Visa Interview
Attend a visa interview at the National Visa Center (NVC) and the U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou to obtain a green card, or submit the I-485 for adjustment of status if already in the United States.
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The entire family receive green cards.
The entire family (spouse and any children under 21) receive green cards.
Successful Cases
Medical Device Executive
Granted EB-1A Approval in Only 5 Days
Q&A
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Q: Do you have to have won a world/national award to apply for EB-1A?
A: Although EB-1A is known as a "top of the pyramid" immigration method, not everyone can win a Nobel Prize, an Olympic gold medal, or an Oscar. Applicants need to demonstrate that the awards they have received are significant in their professional field and prove that they are outstanding talents in that field.
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Q: Can you not apply for EB-1A if you have not won any awards?
A: Winning awards is an important bonus, but it is not the only criterion for judging outstanding talent. If the criterion of winning awards is not met, it can be compensated for in other criteria, or other evidence can be provided to prove the applicant's excellence.
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Q: Is it better to submit as many documents as possible when applying?
A: Not necessarily. USCIS officers have a large volume of documents to review. Submitting too many documents, especially if they do not highlight the applicant's key achievements, can make the review process difficult and may not effectively showcase the applicant's main strengths. Submitting documents just to meet the number of criteria, especially if they are of poor quality, can be detrimental to the application. It is important to select materials that highlight your strengths without overwhelming the evaluators.
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Q: Do you need to meet all ten of the USCIS's criteria?
A: According to U.S. immigration law, an applicant only needs to meet three of the ten criteria. Therefore, it is crucial for applicants to choose the options that best highlight their greatest strengths in their field.
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Q: Does applying from outside the United States increase the difficulty?
A: The most important factor in determining extraordinary ability is whether the person is outstanding, not where they apply from. There have been many successful applications from outside the United States.
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Q: If the application fails, will it leave a record that affects future immigration applications?
A: USCIS reviews immigration applications on a case-by-case basis, according to the content of the application. The regulations do not prohibit reapplying. Applicants can apply for other immigration categories after a failure or reapply for EB-1A extraordinary ability immigration after some time.