EB-1A Visa
First-Preference Green Card
for Extraordinary Ability
For individuals with extraordinary, nationally or internationally recognized achievements in science, arts, business, or athletics, this first-preference category provides a fast-track, streamlined route to U.S. permanent residency with no job offer or labor certification required
EB-1A Visa Program: Extraordinary Ability Green Card
The EB-1A visa is a first-preference, employment-based green card for individuals with extraordinary ability—such as groundbreaking scientists, award-winning artists, business innovators, world-class athletes, or accomplished academics—offering a direct route to U.S. permanent residency with no job offer or labor certification required
- Qualification: Demonstrated sustained national or international recognition at the top of your field, evaluated under USCIS extraordinary ability standards
- Processing: Eligible for Premium Processing, with faster adjudication compared to most employment-based green card categories
- Visa Classification: First-preference employment-based immigrant category (EB-1A), the highest priority employment green card classification
- Job Offer: No U.S. job offer, employer sponsorship, or labor certification required. Self-petition permitted.
- Permanent Residency (Green Card Pathway): Direct pathway to U.S. lawful permanent residence (Green Card) upon approval
- Family Inclusion: Spouse and unmarried children under 21 are included in the EB-1A immigrant petition and are eligible for U.S. lawful permanent residence alongside the principal applicant
- Family Process & Rights: No separate immigrant petition is required for qualifying family members; once approved and lawfully admitted as permanent residents, spouses and children may reside in the U.S. and spouses are authorized to work without employer sponsorship
Who Qualifies for the EB-1A Visa
Scientists & Researchers
Leading researchers, PhD holders, published scientists, and innovators with nationally or internationally recognized contributions to their field
- Principal investigators
- Laboratory directors
- Research scientists
- Medical researchers
- Data scientists
Artists & Creatives
Award-winning artists, performers, directors, designers, and creative professionals with recognized critical acclaim
- Film directors
- Musicians & composers
- Visual artists
- Fashion designers
- Architects
Business Leaders
Successful entrepreneurs, C-suite executives, and business innovators with sustained achievements, industry impact, and recognized leadership in their field
- Company founders/CEOs
- Serial entrepreneurs
- Senior corporate executives
- Industry thought leaders
- Innovation pioneers
Athletes & Coaches
Professional athletes, Olympic competitors, elite coaches, and sports professionals performing at the highest international or national level
- Olympic medalists
- National team members
- Professional athletes
- Elite coaches
- Sports directors
Academics & Educators
Distinguished professors, published authors, educational innovators, and academic leaders with recognized impact in their field
- University professors
- Published researchers
- Educational consultants
- Academic department heads
- Curriculum innovators with demonstrated impact
- Educational consultants with recognized expertise
USCIS Eligibility Criteria
Awards & Prizes
Receipt of nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in your field
Elite Memberships
Membership in professional associations that require outstanding achievements and are judged by recognized national or international experts
Published Material About You
Published articles or media coverage in major publications that highlight the applicant’s work, contributions, or professional achievements
Judging Others' Work
Participation as a judge, reviewer, or evaluator of the work of peers in the same or an aligned field
Original Contributions
Evidence of original work that has been independently recognized and has made a demonstrable impact on the applicant’s field or industry
Scholarly Articles
Authorship of scholarly articles in the applicant’s field published in professional journals, major trade publications, or major media
Exhibitions or Showcases
Display of the applicant’s work at artistic exhibitions or showcases
Leadership Role
Applicant has served in a leading or critical role for distinguished organizations or establishments
High Remuneration
Evidence that the applicant receives a salary or compensation significantly higher than others in the same field
Commercial Success
Evidence of commercial success in the performing arts through box office receipts, record sales, cassette sales, compact disc sales, or video sales