The EB-1(A) visa, also known as the Extraordinary Ability visa, is tailored for individuals who have reached the pinnacle of success in their field and have earned national or international acclaim. This visa is ideal for professionals in areas such as science, arts, education, business, and athletics.
To qualify, applicants must either:
Provide proof of a significant, one-time achievement (such as a major internationally recognized award),
or
Meet at least three out of ten USCIS-defined criteria, which include:
Receipt of lesser-known national or international awards,
Membership in associations that require outstanding accomplishments,
Publication of scholarly articles, among others.
Applicants must submit Form I-140 to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), along with detailed evidence supporting their extraordinary ability. A major advantage of the EB-1(A) visa is that no job offer or labor certification is required, allowing individuals to self-petition.
After petition approval:
Those already in the U.S. can file for adjustment of status,
While applicants outside the U.S. will complete the process through consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
The EB-1(A) visa provides a faster route to U.S. permanent residency for the applicant and their immediate family members (spouse and children under 21). Its flexible, self-sponsored process and expedited timelines make it a highly appealing choice for top-tier professionals seeking to live and work in the United States.
