EB1 Green Card
The EB1 Green Card is a U.S. employment-based permanent residency option for individuals with extraordinary achievements in their field, outstanding researchers and professors, and multinational executives or managers. This immigrant visa category allows qualified applicants to live and work permanently in the United States without needing labor certification.
Who Qualifies for an EB1 Green Card?
There are three subcategories within the EB1 visa classification:
EB1-A: Extraordinary Ability
This category is for individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics through national or international acclaim.
Applicants can self-petition, which means they do not need a job offer or employer sponsorship.
To qualify, you must provide evidence such as:
- Major internationally recognized awards
- Publications or scholarly articles
- Membership in exclusive professional associations
- Media coverage or contributions to the field
EB1-B: Outstanding Professors and Researchers
This option is designed for professionals with international recognition in academia or research. You must:
- Have at least three years of teaching or research experience
- Have a job offer from a U.S. institution
- Show significant academic contributions
EB1-C: Multinational Managers and Executives
This category is for managers or executives who have worked for a multinational company abroad for at least one year in the past three years and are now being transferred to a U.S. office.
Why Choose an EB1 Visa?
The EB1 category is one of the fastest routes to obtaining a U.S. green card through employment. Unlike other employment-based categories, the EB1 does not require PERM labor certification, which significantly shortens the processing time.
Key benefits include:
- No labor market test
- Faster approval process
- Ability to self-petition (EB1-A)
- Eligibility for premium processing
Filing for an EB1 Green Card
To apply for an EB1 green card, the following steps are typically required:
- File Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker)
This form must be submitted to USCIS, either by the employer or by the applicant if self-petitioning under EB1-A. - Submit Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status)
If you’re already in the U.S., you can file Form I-485 once your I-140 is approved (or concurrently in some cases). This step adjusts your status to permanent resident. - Consular Processing (if outside the U.S.)
If you’re abroad, your petition will be processed through a U.S. consulate in your country.
Do You Need an EB1 Visa Attorney?
While some EB1 applicants can self-petition, working with an experienced EB1 visa attorney can greatly improve your chances of success. Our legal team at Immigration Universe Attorneys provides personalized support to prepare strong evidence, structure your petition, and guide you through the entire application process.
- You have received lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence
- You are a member of associations in the field which demand outstanding achievement of their members
- You have published material about you in professional or major trade publications or other major media
- You have been asked to judge the work of others, either individually or on a panel
- You created original scientific, scholarly, artistic, athletic, or business-related contributions of major significance to the field
- You have authored scholarly articles in professional or major trade publications or other major media
- Your work has been displayed at artistic exhibitions or showcases
- Evidence of your performance of a leading or critical role in distinguished organizations
- Evidence that you command a high salary or other significantly high remuneration in relation to others in the field
- Proof of your commercial successes in the performing arts
For the EB1-A Extraordinary Ability employment-based visa, you may petition on your own behalf by filing Form I-140, Petition for Alien Worker.
For the EB1-B Outstanding Professors and Researchers employment-based visa, an employer must file Form I-140, Petition for Alien Worker.
For the EB1-C Multinational Manager or Executive employment-based visa, an employer must file Form I-140, Petition for Alien Worker.
The EB1 green card application process will depend on where you reside at the time of your petition. If you are abroad at the time of your petition, you will go through consular process. This means that you will get your immigrant visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate of your home country. You and your eligible family members will enter the United States as green card holders. The physical green card and social security card arrive when you get to the United States.
If you are in the United States, you can apply for Adjustment of Status. Depending on whether the visa is available “current” you may apply for Adjustment of Status concurrent to your EB1 petition. Otherwise, you can apply for Adjustment of Status after the EB1 visa requirements are met, your case is approved, and your visa is available.
Yes. For each of the categories above, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age can get a green card. They are considered your beneficiaries. A green card allows them to live and work in the United States.
Premium processing is available for EB1-A and EB1-B petitions. Premium processing assures that USCIS will process your petition within 15 calendar days of submission.
Schedule a Consultation for Your EB1 Green Card
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, researcher, artist, or executive, we can help you determine your eligibility and file a strong petition. Our legal team is here to guide you through the EB1 green card process with clarity and support.
Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward permanent residency in the United States. category.