EB-1A

Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker (Extraordinary Ability)

For individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, demonstrated by sustained national or international acclaim.

554 petitions · 209 approved / sustained · 246 denied / dismissed · 99 remanded

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The EB-1A visa is an employment-based first preference immigrant visa for individuals who demonstrate extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. Unlike other employment-based green cards, the EB-1A does not require a specific job offer or employer sponsorship, allowing applicants to self-petition.

Benefits & Limitations

Direct path to a green card with self-petitioning — no employer sponsorship or labor certification required. Often faster processing than other EB categories, especially when priority dates are current. However, the high evidentiary standard makes approval challenging.

Filing Guide

Self-Petition (I-140)

File Form I-140 directly — no employer or labor certification needed.

USCIS Review

USCIS evaluates evidence. An RFE may be issued for additional documentation.

Decision

Approval, denial, or NOID (Notice of Intent to Deny).

Adjust Status

File I-485 (if in U.S.) or process at a U.S. consulate abroad.

Required Documents

Evidence of major awards or prizes

Published material about you in professional publications

Membership in associations requiring outstanding achievement

Expert recommendation letters

Proof of original contributions of major significance

Scholarly articles in professional journals

Evidence of high salary or remuneration

Proof of judging the work of others in your field

Timeline

I-140 Petition 6 – 12 mo

I-485 Adjustment 6 – 12 mo

Total Estimated 12 – 24+ mo

Standard

6 – 12 mo

Premium

15 days

Costs & Fees

I-140 Filing

$715

Premium Processing optional

$2,805

I-485 Filing optional

$1,440

Biometrics

$85

Medical Exam

$200 – $500

Attorney (est.) optional

$5k – $15k+

Est. Total (required) $1,000 – $1,300

Recent Petitions

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Recent Policy Updates

Stricter interpretations of 'extraordinary ability' in recent adjudications

Increased focus on applicant's ability to continue working in their field within the U.S.

USCIS processing backlogs have affected I-140 timelines

Evolving evidentiary standards for original contributions of major significance