Your achievements are your sponsor. America wants to see them in black and white.
The US EB-1A Visa
Outstanding experts in business, the arts, science, technology, education and sports can apply for a US EB-1A green card on the strength of their exceptional abilities. This permanent residence is the ideal choice for specialists who plan to live and work in the USA for the long term.
Important: The EB-1 visa should not be confused with the O visa, the nonimmigrant visa for people of extraordinary ability. Find out more about the O visa here.
As an expert, you should enjoy national or international recognition that can be documented through awards, certificates or similar evidence. Once you enter the US on your green card, you are also expected to keep contributing to your field. Unlike the EB-1B and EB-1C, the EB-1A green card petition on Form I-140 requires neither an employer nor a job offer. You can simply apply on your own, with no sponsor needed.
To prove extraordinary expertise in your field, you must meet at least three of ten criteria and submit the supporting documents. The US EB-1A visa takes two steps: first you file a petition on Form I-140, and once it is approved, you apply for the green card.
1EB-1 green card categories and criteria
1.1US EB-1 green card classifications at a glance
A, B or C: these are the three types of EB-1 green card for outstanding experts in business, the arts and beyond.
1.2The EB-1A green card category
People of extraordinary ability: here are the key facts about the US EB-1A green card.
In writing: which visa fits you and your family, prepared with the immigration attorney on the firm's team.
2Processing times and requests from USCIS
2.1US EB-1A visa: typical processing times
Processing depends on several factors. Here is how long it takes until you hold your green card.
2.2US EB-1A visa: handling Requests for Evidence (RFEs)
RFEs are usually no cause for concern, but they need careful handling. Here is what matters.
3The petition: cover letter, mistakes and strategy
3.1Why the attorney's cover letter makes or breaks your US EB-1A petition
A cover letter drafted by an attorney is an essential part of the I-140 petition and indispensable for your application.
3.2Common mistakes when applying for the US EB-1A visa
Know and avoid the most common mistakes that many applicants and their attorneys make.
3.3How to make your US EB-1A green card petition a success
According to USCIS, approval depends on the quality of each piece of evidence. Here are the strategies that work.
3.4EB-1 green card: tips & hacks
Benefit from our experience: we share the most important tips and hacks for the EB-1 petition and beyond.
Find the right path to the USA for you in one conversation.
4If it doesn't work out, and how it compares with the O-1
4.1What if my US EB-1A visa is denied?
Don't lose heart: if it doesn't work the first time, you can appeal, file a new petition and more.
4.2EB-1 green card vs. O-1 visa: the differences
Not sure which of the two visa categories suits your situation better? Find out more here.
- The EB-1A green card is for experts in business, the arts, science, technology, education and sports with national or international recognition.
- To file on Form I-140, you need no employer, no job offer and no sponsor.
- You must meet at least three of ten criteria, backed by documents.
- The process has two steps: first the petition on Form I-140, then, once approved, the green card.
- The EB-1A is a green card and should not be confused with the O visa, the nonimmigrant visa for the same group of people.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an employer for the EB-1A green card?
No. Unlike the EB-1B and EB-1C, the EB-1A green card petition on Form I-140 requires neither an employer nor a job offer. You can apply on your own and need no sponsor.
How many criteria do I need to meet for the EB-1A?
At least three of ten, and you back each one with the relevant documents. The criteria are explained on the page about the EB-1A green card category.
Who qualifies for the EB-1A green card?
Outstanding experts in business, the arts, science, technology, education and sports who enjoy national or international recognition, documented for example by awards or certificates.
How does the application work?
In two steps: first you file the petition on Form I-140, and once it is approved, you apply for the green card. For how long this takes, see the typical processing times.
What is expected of me after I arrive?
That you keep contributing to your field in the USA.
Is the EB-1A the same as the O-1 visa?
No. The EB-1A is a green card, meaning permanent residence. The O visa is the nonimmigrant visa for people of extraordinary ability. For a side-by-side comparison, see O-1 visa or EB-1 green card.
How we help you
- Visa RoadmapIn writing: which visa fits you and your family, prepared with the immigration attorney on the firm's team.
- Visa and Green Card ConsultationWhich route to the USA fits you, settled in one conversation.
- Moving to the USAVisa, bank account, taxes and where to live: your move with Mount Bonnell Advisors.
All guides on this topic
US EB-1A Green Card: Typical Processing Times Read more → 
What If My US EB-1A Green Card Is Denied? Read more → 
EB-1A Cover Letter: The 18 to 30 Pages That Carry Your Petition Read more → 
Common Mistakes When Applying for the US EB-1A Green Card Read more → 
The EB-1A Green Card Category Read more → 
EB-1A Green Card: Tips & Hacks Read more → 
US EB-1A Green Card: Requests for Evidence (RFEs) Read more → 
US EB-1 Green Card Classifications at a Glance Read more → 
The Einstein Visa: The Green Card for the Top of Your Field Read more → 
EB-1A Recommendation Letters: What a Non-Expert Officer Believes Read more → 
EB-1A Costs: Every Green Card Fee, for You and Your Family Read more → 
EB-1A Self-Petition: The Green Card You Vouch for Yourself Read more → 
How to Make Your US EB-1A Green Card Petition a Success Read more → 
EB-1A for Entrepreneurs: When Customers, Capital and Patents Count Read more → More on US visas
All articles →
The US O-1 visa Read more → 
The ultimate guide to the L-1 visa Read more → US EB-1A Green Card: Typical Processing Times Read more → What If My US EB-1A Green Card Is Denied? Read more → EB-1A Cover Letter: The 18 to 30 Pages That Carry Your Petition Read more → Common Mistakes When Applying for the US EB-1A Green Card Read more →