U.S. EB-1A Extraordinary Ability Immigration Program

Introduction to the U.S. EB-1A Extraordinary Ability Immigration Program

The U.S. EB-1A (Extraordinary Ability) program is the first preference category within the U.S. Employment-Based Immigration system (Employment-Based Immigration: First Preference EB-1). The EB-1 category is divided into three sub-groups: Extraordinary Ability (EB-1A); Outstanding Professor or Researcher (EB-1B); and Multinational Manager or Executive (EB-1C).

Application Conditions for the U.S. EB-1A Extraordinary Ability Immigration Program

The EB-1A category is designed for individuals with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. These individuals must have sustained national or international acclaim, with achievements recognized through extensive documentation. They are considered to be among the very top in their respective fields.

Applicants must provide evidence of receiving a major, internationally recognized award (such as a Nobel Prize or Oscar), or submit documentation meeting at least three of the following ten criteria:

1. Receipt of lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence (individual or team awards are acceptable);

2. Membership in associations in the field which require outstanding achievements, as judged by recognized national or international experts (past or present);

3. Published material about the beneficiary in professional or major trade publications or other major media (newspapers, articles, video, or audio interviews);

4. Participation, individually or as a panel, as a judge of the work of others in the same or a closely related field;

5. Original scientific, scholarly, artistic, business, or athletic contributions of major significance to the field;

6. Authorship of scholarly articles in professional journals or other major media;

7. Display of the beneficiary's work at artistic exhibitions or showcases;

8. Performance of a leading or critical role in distinguished organizations or establishments;

9. Evidence that the beneficiary has commanded a high salary or other significantly high remuneration in relation to others in the field;

10. Commercial successes in the performing arts.

If an applicant cannot provide evidence for at least three of the above criteria, USCIS allows the submission of comparable evidence to demonstrate extraordinary ability. Additionally, applicants must meet basic requirements of good health and a clean criminal record, and must intend to continue working in their field of expertise in the U.S., providing substantial benefit to American society.

Advantages of the U.S. EB-1A Extraordinary Ability Immigration Program

• No Labor Certification Required: EB-1A does not require a Labor Certification (PERM) or a permanent job offer; applicants may self-petition.

• Premium Processing Available: Cases can be adjudicated within 15 calendar days.

• Shorter Wait Times: Relatively short visa backlog, allowing for faster acquisition of a green card.

• No Strict Requirements: No mandatory language proficiency, educational, or asset requirements for the applicant.

Derivative Family Members for the U.S. EB-1A Extraordinary Ability Immigration Program

The spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 of the principal applicant may accompany them as derivatives.

Application Process for the U.S. EB-1A Extraordinary Ability Immigration Program

1. File the immigration petition by submitting Form I-140 to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS);

2. Receive approval notice from USCIS;

3. Receive fee payment instructions from the National Visa Center (NVC);

4. Wait for the priority date to become current (if applicable);

5. Receive interview and medical examination appointment letters;

6. Pass the medical examination and interview; visa stamping;

7. Enter the United States within 180 days.

8. Receive the Green Card.

Processing Time for the U.S. EB-1A Extraordinary Ability Immigration Program

Approximately 25 months (Premium Processing is available for a 15-calendar-day adjudication). Note: USCIS processes cases in the order they are received. This processing time reflects the time USCIS offices took to complete 80% of cases over the past six months. It is for reference only and does not accurately reflect the processing time of all cases.

Visa Bulletin / Backlog Situation for the U.S. EB-1A Extraordinary Ability Immigration Program

If the applicant is currently outside the United States, check Table A of the monthly Visa Bulletin; there is no need to check Table B. The backlog is updated monthly; the latest priority dates can be found in articles regarding the U.S. Employment-Based Visa Bulletin.

Application Fees for the U.S. EB-1A Extraordinary Ability Immigration Program

• Form I-140 Filing Fee: $715 (paper) / $665 (online);

• I-140 Premium Processing Fee: $2,965;

• Asylum Program Fee: $300;

• NVC Visa Fee: $345 / person;

• Biometrics Fee (fingerprint): $30 / person;

• USCIS Immigrant Fee (Entry Fee): $235 / person.

Required Documents for the U.S. EB-1A Extraordinary Ability Immigration Program

• Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker);

• Form I-907 (Request for Premium Processing Service, if applicable);

• Supporting documentation of relevant achievements (varies per individual case).