Big Idea
For people at the very top of their field — science, arts, business, athletics, education.
For professionals whose work has clear national importance for the U.S. — STEM, healthcare, public policy, entrepreneurship, and more.
Employer sponsorship
❌ Not required
❌ Not required
Self-petition
✅ Yes
✅ Yes
Proof standard
Show you're among the best: sustained acclaim, awards, press, publications, measurable impact.
Show your work has merit, broad national importance, and benefits the U.S. if the job offer is waived.
Processing speed
⚡ Premium Processing: ~15 business days
⏳ Premium Processing: ~45 business days
Who usually applies?
Startup founders, elite researchers, Olympic athletes, award-winning artists, top executives.
Doctors in shortage areas, PhD researchers, engineers in AI/clean energy, entrepreneurs with nationally beneficial projects.
Family benefits
✅ Spouses and children can also get green cards.
✅ Spouses and children can also get green cards.
Concurrent filing (Form I-485)
✅ You can usually file your green card application (Form I-485) at the same time as your EB-1A petition, because visa numbers are often available right away.
⏳ You often need to wait 20–30 months after your NIW petition before filing Form I-485, since visa numbers take longer to open up.