EB-1A: Extraordinary Ability
Self-petition for a green card without employer sponsorship or labor certification
EB-1A at a Glance
Sponsorship Required
No (Self-petition)
Job Offer Required
No
PERM Labor Certification
No
Evidence Criteria
3 of 10
Processing Time
15 days (Premium) or 6-12 months
Priority Date
Usually Current
What is EB-1A?
EB-1A (Employment-Based First Preference, Category A) is for individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. This category recognizes sustained national or international acclaim.
Unlike other employment-based categories, EB-1A allows you to self-petition without an employer sponsor or labor certification. You can apply from anywhere in the world and file immediately without waiting in line.
Who Qualifies?
Ideal Candidates
- • Published researchers & academics
- • Award-winning professionals
- • Industry thought leaders
- • Entrepreneurs with recognized ventures
- • Artists with exhibitions/critical acclaim
- • Athletes with major competition success
Not Ideal For
- • Recent graduates (limited track record)
- • Professionals without external validation
- • Those preferring employer-sponsored path
- • Individuals without 3 provable criteria
The 10 Criteria for Extraordinary Ability
1. Awards
Receipt of lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in your field
2. Membership
Membership in associations that require outstanding achievements, as judged by recognized experts
3. Published Material About You
Published material about you in professional or major trade publications or major media
4. Judging
Participation as a judge of the work of others in your field (e.g., peer reviewer, conference panelist, grant reviewer)
5. Original Contributions
Original scientific, scholarly, artistic, athletic, or business-related contributions of major significance
6. Scholarly Articles
Authorship of scholarly articles in professional journals or other major media in your field
7. Exhibitions/Showcases
Display of your work at artistic exhibitions or showcases
8. Leading/Critical Role
Performance in a leading or critical role for distinguished organizations or establishments
9. High Salary
Commanding a high salary or other significantly high remuneration relative to others in your field
10. Commercial Success
Evidence of commercial success in the performing arts (box office receipts, sales records, etc.)
Timeline & Process
Assess Eligibility (1-2 weeks)
Identify which 3+ criteria you meet and compile supporting evidence
Prepare Petition (1-3 months)
Gather documentation, expert letters, press coverage, awards, publications
File I-140 Petition
Submit to USCIS with all supporting evidence
USCIS Processing
Premium Processing: 15 business days (additional $2,805 fee)
Regular Processing: 6-12 months
I-485 or Consular Processing
After I-140 approval, file for adjustment of status (if in U.S.) or consular processing (if abroad)
EB-1A vs O-1A vs NIW
| Aspect | EB-1A | O-1A | NIW |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Permanent residence | Temporary work | Permanent residence |
| Self-Petition | Yes | No (requires sponsor) | Yes |
| Standard | Extraordinary (3 of 10) | Extraordinary (3 of 8) | National interest (3-prong) |
| Job Offer | Not required | Required | Not required |
| PERM | No | No | Waived (Appendix A) |
| Duration | Permanent | Up to 3 years (renewable) | Permanent |
Pro Tip: Many O-1A holders transition to EB-1A after building additional evidence while working in the U.S. The criteria overlap significantly.