You may be eligible for an employment-based, first-preference visa if you are an alien of extraordinary ability, are an outstanding professor or researcher, or are a certain multinational executive or manager.
EB-1A is the extraordinary-ability sub-category specifically. EB-1B covers outstanding professors and researchers, and EB-1C covers multinational executives and managers; both are addressed on a separate page.
No employer sponsor required. EB-1A is one of the only employment-based green card categories that does not need a U.S. employer or a PERM labor certification. You can self-petition — unlike EB-1C, EB-2, and EB-3, which all require an employer or petitioner.
OVERVIEW
The first-preference category,
and its extraordinary-ability track.
Top
WHO IT'S IDEALLY SUITED FOR
A small percentage
at the top of the field.
Individuals who can demonstrate extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics and who are among the small percentage at the very top of their field.
THE TWO WAYS TO QUALIFY
One decision point.
Most applicants take the second path.
A
B
EITHER
OR
One major award
At least three of ten criteria.
Evidence of a one-time major, internationally recognized award, such as a Nobel Prize–caliber honor.
Meet at least three of the ten regulatory criteria listed below.
10/10
DIFFICULTY . OUR OWN RATING SYSTEM
WHY IT'S DIFFICULT TO WIN WITHOUT COUNSEL
Criteria on paper
are not the final test.
It's difficult to obtain an EB-1A on your own because the standard is extremely high and the analysis is qualitative, not just documentary. It's not enough to meet three regulatory criteria on paper; you must also pass a final merits determination proving that your achievements place you at the very top of your field on a sustained basis.
Many self-filed cases fail because evidence is strong but poorly framed, lacks independent corroboration, focuses on participation rather than impact, or doesn't clearly show influence beyond a narrow circle.
FAMILY ELIGIBILITY
Spouse and children
WHEN TO APPLY
Any time of the year
WHO PAYS THE FILING FEES
Eithe party
If your I-140 petition is approved, your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 may be eligible to apply for admission to the United States in E-14 or E-15 immigrant status, respectively.
There is no cap, no lottery, and no filing season. Unlike H-1B and H-2B, which run on fixed windows, an EB-1A petition can be filed whenever the evidence is ready.
The self-petitioner or an employer, if there is one. Because you can file on your own behalf, an employer is optional.
Your O-1 evidence is already most of the case.
Many EB-1A petitioners already hold O-1 status and build on the same evidentiary portfolio, since both use a similar extraordinary-ability standard. EB-1A adds a stricter final merits determination and results in permanent residency rather than a renewable temporary visa.
FROM O-1 TO EB-1A
WHY WORK WITH THE GRADY FIRM
Evidence, framed
for the final merits.
The Grady Firm, based in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, represents extraordinary-ability green card applicants nationwide and internationally.
-
Criteria selection matched to your strongest documented record
-
Independent corroboration gathered before filing
-
Impact-focused framing that shows influence beyond a narrow circle
-
O-1 portfolios carried forward into the EB-1A petition
F A Q
Before you file.
01
Do I need a U.S. employer to apply?
No. EB-1A can be self-petitioned, without an employer sponsor or a PERM labor certification. If you do have an employer, either party may pay the filing fees.
How is EB-1A different from O-1?
Both use a similar extraordinary-ability evidentiary standard. EB-1A adds a stricter final merits determination and results in permanent residency, while O-1 is a renewable temporary visa.
02
03
What if I only meet two of the ten criteria?
Three are required on paper, so two is not enough on its own. Additional evidence may bring a third criterion within reach, which we assess during a case evaluation. The alternative is a one-time major internationally recognized award.
04
How long does EB-1A take?
Processing times change over time. We review current USCIS timelines with you during your case evaluation. [VERIFY WITH JEN]
05
Can I apply for EB-1A while on O-1 status?
Yes. Many petitioners hold O-1 status when they file, and the O-1 evidence portfolio often forms the base of the EB-1A petition.
RELATED INSIGHTS
Latest insights.
