Permanent residency for individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics.
Estimated Cost
$2,590
Processing Time
~1.2 years
Validity
Permanent
The EB-1A is an employment-based first preference immigrant visa for individuals with extraordinary ability who can demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim. It is one of the most sought-after green card categories because it requires no employer sponsorship and no labor certification.
Average: 1.2 years
Path to Residency
Path to Citizenship
~5 years
Meet at least 3 of the following 10 evidentiary criteria
Receipt of nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence
Membership in associations requiring outstanding achievements
Published material in professional or major trade publications about you
Judging the work of others in your field
Original scientific, scholarly, or business-related contributions of major significance
Authorship of scholarly articles in professional journals or major media
Display of work at artistic exhibitions or showcases
Performance in a leading or critical role for distinguished organizations
Commanding a high salary or remuneration relative to others in the field
Commercial successes in the performing arts
Extraordinary ability*
Must demonstrate extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics—defined as expertise indicating the individual is one of the small percentage who has risen to the very top of the field
Sustained acclaim*
Must have received sustained national or international acclaim
Continue work in field*
Must demonstrate intent to continue work in the area of extraordinary ability in the United States
Evidence of achievement*
Must meet at least 3 of 10 evidentiary criteria (awards, memberships, published material, judging, original contributions, scholarly articles, critical employment, high remuneration, commercial success, other comparable evidence)
Self-petition capability*
No employer sponsorship required; can self-petition
| Fee | Amount | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Form I-140 Filing Fee | $715 | One-time |
| Form I-485 Adjustment of Status | $1,440 | One-time |
| Biometrics Fee | $85 | One-time |
| Medical Examination | $350 | One-time |
| Premium Processing Fee (Form I-907)(optional) | $2,965 | One-time |
| Legal/Attorney Fees(optional) | $16,500 | One-time |
| Estimated Total | $2,590 |