FORMS: Form I-140, Form I-485 (or DS-260)
The EB-1A is the premier U.S. green card category for individuals with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. It permits self-petitioning (no employer sponsorship required), avoids the PERM Labor Certification process entirely, and offers current priority dates for most countries — making it among the fastest paths to a U.S. green card. EB- 1A is widely used by researchers, executives, athletes, artists, and entrepreneurs.
Applicants must demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim with achievements recognized in the field of expertise. Either receipt of a one-time major internationally recognized award (Nobel, Pulitzer, Olympic Medal, Oscar) OR meeting at least 3 of 10 regulatory criteria: nationally/internationally recognized prizes; membership in associations requiring outstanding achievement; published material about the applicant; serving as judge of others' work; original contributions of major significance; authorship of scholarly articles; artistic exhibitions/showcases; leading/critical role in distinguished organizations; high salary; commercial success in performing arts.
USCIS uses a two-step analysis (Kazarian framework): Step 1 — does the applicant meet 3+ regulatory criteria? Step 2 — does the totality of evidence demonstrate sustained acclaim and that the applicant is among the small percentage at the top of the field? File Form I-140 with comprehensive evidence; if priority date is current and applicant is in U.S., file concurrent I-485 (Adjustment of Status); otherwise consular process via DS-260.
Required: extensive evidence under each claimed regulatory criterion; expert testimonial/recommendation letters from independent leaders in field; citation reports (Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus); awards/recognition documentation; published works; media coverage; service on review panels/editorial boards; salary documentation; and detailed personal statement and field analysis.
I-140 filing fee; I-485 filing fee; Biometrics fee; Asylum Program Fee; Premium Processing for I- 140 ($2,805 effective March 2026).
I-140 standard processing: 6–12 months; I-140 Premium Processing: 15 calendar days; I-485 concurrent filing: 8–14 months; Most EB-1 priority dates are current for most countries (India and China have backlogs).
EB-1A is one of our deepest specialties. We represent researchers (academic and industry), entrepreneurs and executives, professional athletes, artists, physicians, and engineers. Our approach: comprehensive criterion strategy across all 10 criteria, narrative-driven personal statements, expert recommendation orchestration, citation and impact metrics analysis, and RFE-resistant documentation. We handle complex cases involving non-traditional fields, mid- career applicants, and those transitioning from O-1 status.
If you've achieved recognized excellence in your field — published, awarded, cited, or led significant work — the EB-1A may be your fastest path to a green card. Contact us for a candid extraordinary ability evaluation.
Call: 212-571-6002 | WhatsApp Available | GreenCardMaker.com
