The EB-1 Green Card is one of the most prestigious and expedited pathways to U.S. permanent residency for individuals with extraordinary abilities, outstanding achievements, and global recognition in specific fields. At American Visa Hub, we specialize in providing expert guidance and support to individuals seeking an EB-1 Green Card, ensuring that the complex application process is smooth and efficient. Whether you are a researcher, multinational executive, or an individual with extraordinary talent, our team is here to help you achieve your goal of becoming a U.S. permanent resident.
What is the EB-1 Green Card?
The EB-1 Green Card is an employment-based immigrant visa reserved for individuals who meet one of three specific criteria. This Green Card is designed for applicants who have demonstrated extraordinary ability, achieved outstanding success in their field, or hold executive or managerial positions with multinational organizations. The EB-1 category offers the fastest route to U.S. permanent residency, and in many cases, applicants are not required to have a job offer or undergo a labor certification process.
The EB-1 Green Card is divided into three main sub-categories:
EB-1A: Extraordinary Ability The EB-1A category is for individuals who can demonstrate extraordinary ability in their field, such as in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. Applicants must show a sustained record of achievements and recognition at a national or international level.
EB-1B: Outstanding Professors and Researchers This category is for individuals who are internationally recognized as outstanding professors or researchers in their field. Applicants must have a job offer from a U.S. employer and meet strict criteria related to their accomplishments and contributions to their field.
EB-1C: Multinational Executives and Managers The EB-1C category is for executives and managers of multinational companies who have been employed abroad for at least 1 year in a managerial or executive capacity. These individuals must be transferring to a U.S. subsidiary, branch, affiliate, or parent company in a similar managerial or executive role.
Who is Eligible for the EB-1 Green Card?
Eligibility for the EB-1 Green Card depends on the specific sub-category under which you are applying. Below are the eligibility requirements for each sub-category:
EB-1A: Extraordinary Ability
Applicants must demonstrate extraordinary ability in their field, which can be proven through extensive documentation such as:
Major awards (e.g., Nobel Prize, Academy Award)
Significant media coverage
Authorship of scholarly articles or research
Membership in associations requiring outstanding achievements
Letters of recommendation from experts in the field
No job offer is required for EB-1A applicants, and you may self-petition for the Green Card.
EB-1B: Outstanding Professors and Researchers
Applicants must be internationally recognized as outstanding in their field of research or education.
The applicant must have at least three years of experience in teaching or research in their field.
A job offer from a U.S. employer in a permanent position is required.
The applicant must demonstrate at least two of the following:
Published work in scholarly journals
International recognition or awards
Participation in peer review
Significant contributions to research
Membership in professional associations
EB-1C: Multinational Executives and Managers
Applicants must have worked for at least 1 year in a managerial or executive capacity for a multinational company within the last 3 years.
The U.S. employer must be a subsidiary, branch, affiliate, or parent company of the foreign company where the applicant worked.
The applicant must be entering the U.S. to work in a similar executive or managerial role.
EB-1 Green Card Application Process
The EB-1 Green Card process can vary slightly depending on the specific sub-category, but the general steps are as follows. American Visa Hub provides comprehensive support at every stage to ensure that your application is successful.
Step 1: Gather Supporting Documentation
For each sub-category, gathering the necessary documentation is critical to demonstrating your eligibility. American Visa Hub will help you compile the required evidence and ensure it meets USCIS standards.
For EB-1A (Extraordinary Ability), this includes evidence of your achievements, awards, and international recognition.
For EB-1B (Outstanding Professors and Researchers), we help you organize your publications, recommendation letters, and other evidence of international recognition.
For EB-1C (Multinational Executives and Managers), we assist in providing evidence of your managerial role, the company structure, and your qualifications.
Step 2: File Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker
The next step is to file Form I-140 with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This petition is a formal request for the Green Card and includes your supporting documentation, a letter of recommendation, and other evidence of your extraordinary ability or achievements. For EB-1A applicants, you may self-petition (i.e., file without employer sponsorship), while for EB-1B and EB-1C, employer sponsorship is required.
Step 3: Wait for Approval of the I-140 Petition
Once your I-140 petition is filed, USCIS will review your application. Processing times for the I-140 can vary depending on the sub-category and your specific case. Premium Processing is available for EB-1 applicants, which allows for expedited processing within 15 calendar days.
Step 4: Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) or Consular Processing
Once your I-140 petition is approved and your priority date is current, you can apply for Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) if you are already in the U.S., or proceed with Consular Processing if you are outside the U.S.
Adjustment of Status: If you are already in the U.S. on a valid visa, you can file Form I-485 to change your status to permanent resident.
Consular Processing: If you are outside the U.S., you will attend a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country.
Step 5: Receive Your Green Card
Once the I-485 application is approved or you successfully complete the consular interview, you and your eligible family members (spouse and unmarried children under 21) will receive your EB-1 Green Card, granting you permanent residency in the United States.
Why Choose American Visa Hub for Your EB-1 Green Card?
At American Visa Hub, we offer expert guidance and personalized support for individuals applying for the EB-1 Green Card. Our experienced team provides:
Personalized Consultation: We assess your eligibility and advise on the best EB-1 sub-category for your qualifications.
Documentation Support: We help you gather, organize, and prepare the necessary documentation to prove your extraordinary ability or achievements.
Employer Assistance: For EB-1B and EB-1C applicants, we assist with the employer’s role in the petition and help ensure that all evidence meets USCIS standards.
I-140 Petition Filing: We provide comprehensive support in preparing and filing your I-140 petition, ensuring that all documentation is complete and accurate.
Premium Processing: We offer guidance on using Premium Processing to expedite your application and reduce wait times.
Conclusion
The EB-1 Green Card is the fastest and most prestigious route to permanent U.S. residency for individuals with extraordinary achievements, outstanding accomplishments in research or education, or executive-level experience in multinational companies. At American Visa Hub, we are dedicated to providing personalized support throughout the entire process, ensuring that you receive the best possible chance for approval.
Contact us today to learn how we can help you achieve your goal of becoming a U.S. permanent resident through the EB-1 Green Card.
The EB-1 Green Card process can take anywhere from 6 months to several years, depending on your specific category and country of origin. Premium Processing can expedite the process.
Yes, the EB-1A (Extraordinary Ability) category does not require a job offer, and applicants can self-petition. However, EB-1B and EB-1C require a U.S. employer to sponsor your application.
Yes, your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 are eligible to apply for permanent residency as part of the EB-1 Green Card process.
If your application is denied, you may appeal the decision or file a motion to reopen your case. We can help identify the reasons for the denial and assist with the next steps.