The EB-1 visa is an employment-based immigrant visa category that provides a pathway to permanent residency (green card) in the United States for individuals with extraordinary abilities or achievements in specific fields. The EB-1 is considered one of the most prestigious and fast-track green card categories because it is reserved for individuals who are at the top of their fields.

There are three distinct subcategories under the EB-1 visa:

1. EB-1A: Extraordinary Ability

The EB-1A visa is for individuals who have extraordinary ability in their field. It is open to people in a variety of fields, such as the sciences, arts, education, business, and athletics.

• Eligibility Requirements: The applicant must demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim and recognition for their achievements in the field. The applicant does not need a job offer or employer sponsorship, as this is a self-petitioning visa.
• Examples of Evidence:
  • Major international awards (such as a Nobel Prize, Olympic medal, or similar recognition).
  • Published materials about the applicant’s work or achievements.
  • Letters of recommendation from recognized experts in the field.
  • Proof of original contributions of significance to the field.
  • High salary or compensation in comparison to others in the field.

  The EB-1A is the fastest option within the EB-1 category because applicants can apply without needing a labor certification or specific job offer.

2. EB-1B: Outstanding Professors and Researchers

The EB-1B visa is for outstanding professors and researchers who are internationally recognized for their contributions to their field. It is particularly aimed at academic professionals, including university professors, researchers, and those in related academic fields.

• Eligibility Requirements: The applicant must demonstrate:
  • International recognition for their outstanding achievements in the field.
  • A job offer from a U.S. employer in a permanent research or academic position (such as a university or research institution).
  • At least 3 years of experience in teaching or research in the field.
• Examples of Evidence:
  • Published books or articles in major professional journals.
  • Research contributions that have been widely cited.
  • Letters of recommendation from experts in the field.
  • Awards or honors received for research excellence.

3. EB-1C: Multinational Executives and Managers

The EB-1C visa is for multinational executives and managers who have been employed in a managerial or executive capacity by a foreign company and are being transferred to the U.S. to work for a related entity in a managerial or executive role.

• Eligibility Requirements: To qualify, the applicant must have worked for the foreign company for at least 1 year in the last 3 years and be coming to the U.S. to work in a managerial or executive position for a related company in the U.S. (this could be a parent company, subsidiary, affiliate, or branch).
• Examples of Evidence:
  • Proof of employment with the foreign company (such as employment records, tax documents).
  • Organizational charts showing the applicant’s managerial role.
  • Evidence of the company’s operations and structure in the U.S. and abroad.

Key Benefits of the EB-1 Visa:

1. Priority Processing: The EB-1 category has faster processing times compared to other employment-based green card categories, especially for those who self-petition (EB-1A).
2. No Labor Certification: Unlike other employment-based green card categories, the EB-1 visa does not require labor certification, which means the employer does not need to demonstrate that no U.S. workers are available for the position.
3. No Job Offer Requirement (EB-1A): The EB-1A visa allows applicants to self-petition, meaning they do not need a specific job offer or employer sponsorship, making it particularly attractive for individuals who are entrepreneurs, researchers, or professionals.
4. Permanent Residency: Approval of an EB-1 petition grants permanent residency (a green card) for the applicant and their qualifying family members (spouse and children under 21).
5. Dual Intent: Like other immigrant visas, the EB-1 allows for dual intent, meaning applicants can apply for a non-immigrant visa (such as an H-1B) while their EB-1 petition is pending.

Key Eligibility Requirements:

For all three EB-1 subcategories, applicants must demonstrate a high level of achievement in their field, usually evidenced by a combination of professional recognition, awards, publications, and other forms of notable contributions.

• For EB-1A, applicants must prove extraordinary ability, while for EB-1B and EB-1C, applicants must demonstrate outstanding achievements in their respective fields and industries.