EB-1A: Green Card for Extraordinary Ability
The gold standard of employment-based green cards. No employer sponsor, no visa backlog, and the fastest path to permanent residency for individuals at the top of their field.
Check Your Eligibility FreeNo Visa Backlog
EB-1A priority dates are current for most countries. No years-long wait for a visa number after approval.
Self-Petition
No employer sponsor, no job offer, no PERM labor certification. You petition on your own behalf.
Premium Processing
15 business day initial decision with premium processing. Fastest employment-based green card path.
The 10 EB-1A Criteria
You must meet at least 3 of the 10 criteria below. Alternatively, evidence of a one-time achievement of major significance (e.g., Nobel Prize, Oscar, Olympic medal) satisfies the requirement.
Who Files EB-1A?
Award Winners
Recipients of nationally or internationally recognized prizes and honors in their field.
Published Researchers
Scientists and scholars with significant publications, citations, and peer review contributions.
Artists & Performers
Creators with exhibitions, critical acclaim, commercial success, or media coverage.
Industry Leaders
Executives, founders, and experts who’ve driven major business or technological breakthroughs.
Timeline & Cost
Current USCIS processing times and filing fees as of 2026.
EB-1A vs. EB-2 NIW at a Glance
*Current for most countries. China and India may have wait times due to per-country visa limits.
See Where You Stand
Answer a few questions about your background and get a detailed report on your EB-1A and EB-2 NIW eligibility, strengths, and areas to build on.
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EB-1A & EB-2 NIW analysis
Key strengths in your profile
Areas to develop further
Criteria alignment score
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Why EB-1A
Assessment
Key Strengths
Profile Development
Criteria Alignment
EB-1A Guides
Research and strategy for extraordinary ability petitions.
EB-1A Criteria Explained: How to Meet 3 of the 10 Requirements
Detailed breakdown of each criterion with real-world examples and evidence strategies.
Read guideEB-2 NIW vs. EB-1A: Which Should You File?
Side-by-side comparison of both categories to help you choose the right path — or file both.
Read guideEB-2 NIW & EB-1A Approval Rates: 2022–2025 Data
How approval rates have shifted and what it means for your petition strategy.
Read guideFrequently Asked Questions
The EB-1A is an employment-based first preference immigration category for individuals with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. It allows you to self-petition for a green card without an employer sponsor.
You must demonstrate that you meet at least 3 of the 10 evidentiary criteria. Alternatively, you can provide evidence of a one-time achievement of major significance, such as a Pulitzer Prize, Oscar, or Olympic medal.
The criteria include: (1) major awards or prizes, (2) membership in associations requiring outstanding achievement, (3) published material about you, (4) judging others’ work, (5) original contributions of major significance, (6) authorship of scholarly articles, (7) artistic exhibitions or showcases, (8) leading or critical role in distinguished organizations, (9) high salary or remuneration, and (10) commercial success in the performing arts.
EB-1A requires a higher level of achievement (“extraordinary ability” vs. “exceptional ability”) but offers faster premium processing (15 vs. 45 business days) and historically no visa backlog. As of 2026, EB-2 priority dates are also current for most countries. Some applicants choose to file both categories concurrently.
The I-140 petition takes approximately 4–8 months with regular processing. Premium processing is available for $2,965 and provides an initial decision within 15 business days. Because EB-1A is a first preference category, priority dates are typically current, meaning no visa bulletin wait for most countries.
USCIS filing fees for the I-140 total $1,015 ($715 base fee + $300 Asylum Program Fee for self-petitioners). Premium processing adds $2,965. If filing adjustment of status (I-485) concurrently, the filing fee is $1,440. Professional preparation services typically range from $5,000–$20,000 depending on complexity.
Yes. You can file an EB-1A petition from anywhere in the world. After approval, you complete consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your country.
Some applicants choose to file both categories concurrently. EB-1A offers faster premium processing (15 business days), while EB-2 NIW generally has a lower evidentiary threshold. Each case is different — consider consulting an immigration attorney to determine the best approach for your situation.