GUIDE TO EB-1A COSTS AND TIMING VISACOMPARING THE TWO PATHS TO PROVING EXTRAORDINARY ABILITY IN THE U.S.

EB-1A Visa Cost - How much does it cost?

Contributor

Tukki

Reading time

10 mins read

Date published

Jan 19, 2026

The EB-1A visa cost includes several different payments you must make to the government and to the professionals who help you prepare your case. This immigrant visa is designed for individuals with extraordinary ability in fields such as science, arts, business, education, or athletics.

This guide focuses specifically on the EB-1A petition stage, while also explaining what additional costs may apply later if you decide to move forward with the green card application.

EB-1A filing fees in 2026

The EB-1A process begins with filing Form I-140, the Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker. This petition is filed by the principal applicant and represents the core of the EB-1A case.

In 2026, filing an EB-1A petition requires a $715 fee for Form I-140. In addition to this amount, most petitioners must also pay an Asylum Program Fee, which is $300 for self-petitioners and small employers (25 employees or less) and $600 for large employers (over 26 employees.)

These amounts represent the mandatory government fees required by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to accept and review an EB-1A petition. For just over $1,000 in government fees, most applicants can submit an EB-1A petition, excluding any legal or professional fees that may apply separately.

You must pay these filing fees even if you are transitioning from another nonimmigrant status, such as an H-1B or O-1 visa. Because USCIS fees can change, applicants should always review the official USCIS fee schedule before submitting their petition.

EB-1A premium processing fee

Premium processing is an optional service that allows USCIS to take action on an EB-1A petition within 15 business days. The EB-1A premium processing fee is $2,805, and as of March 1, 2026, this fee will increase to $2,965.

Premium processing does not increase the likelihood of approval. It only shortens the time USCIS has to respond, which may result in an approval, a request for evidence (RFE), or a notice of intent to deny (NOID). If USCIS does not act within the 15-business-day window, the premium processing fee is refunded.

Applicants who do not request premium processing should expect longer processing times, which can range from several months to over a year depending on USCIS workload and case volume.

Do you meet the EB-1A eligibility criteria?Check if your profile qualifies for the EB-1A visa requirements.

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EB-1A lawyer costs and professional fees

While it is possible to self-petition for an EB-1A visa, most applicants choose to work with an experienced immigration attorney due to the high evidentiary standard of this category.

The EB-1A lawyer cost typically ranges from $7,500 to $15,000, depending on the attorney, the firm’s experience, and the complexity of the case. These fees generally cover legal strategy, petition drafting, evidence organization, and overall case management.

Because EB-1A petitions do not require a job offer or employer sponsorship, applicants usually pay these legal fees themselves.

The majority of law firms charge additional fees for responding to RFEs or NOIDs, as these services are typically not included in flat-fee agreements. It is important to clarify what is included in a legal quote before signing an agreement.

In addition to government and legal fees, applicants may incur indirect costs while preparing an EB-1A petition.

These costs can include document translation services, credential evaluations, certified copies of records, or professional assistance gathering evidence. Prices vary depending on the number of documents involved and the service providers used.

Expert letters are also commonly submitted as part of an EB-1A petition. While some applicants pay for expert drafting services, strong EB-1A cases often rely on organic recommendation letters from individuals who are familiar with the applicant’s work, such as former advisors, collaborators, or industry peers. These letters typically carry more credibility with USCIS than paid endorsements.

What happens after EB-1A approval?

An approved EB-1A petition is only the first step toward permanent residence. After approval, applicants must complete a separate green card application stage, either through Adjustment of Status (AOS) if they are in the United States or Consular Processing (CP) if they are abroad.

This second stage involves its own forms, timelines, and government fees, and costs are assessed per applicant, including dependents. Because not all EB-1A beneficiaries follow the same path, the total cost of the green card stage can vary significantly.

For this reason, EB-1A petition costs and green card costs should be evaluated separately when planning an immigration budget.

Is premium processing worth the cost for EB-1A?

Whether premium processing is worth the additional fee depends on your individual situation. Premium processing can be helpful if your current visa status is expiring soon or if you need faster clarity to plan employment, travel, or relocation decisions.

Applicants with stable immigration status and flexible timelines may prefer standard processing to reduce upfront costs. Because premium processing does not influence approval outcomes, the decision is primarily a strategic and financial one.

Planning your EB-1A visa budget

To get a clearer picture of what your EB-1A petition may cost based on your background, you can start by using our Visa Match tool, which helps assess your eligibility and potential next steps. If you prefer a more detailed, case-specific discussion, speaking directly with an immigration expert can help you plan timelines and budget more accurately.

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EB-1A visa cost FAQ

Is the EB-1A cost similar to other immigrant visas?

Government filing fees for EB-1A petitions are generally comparable to other employment-based immigrant visas. However, total costs can vary widely depending on legal fees, case complexity, and optional services.

Who pays the EB-1A premium processing fee in a self-petition?

In a self-petition, the applicant is responsible for paying the premium processing fee. While technically anyone can pay it, this is uncommon in practice.

Will an RFE or NOID increase my EB-1A visa cost?

Yes. Attorneys often charge additional fees to prepare responses to RFEs or NOIDs, which can increase total legal costs beyond the initial estimate.

WE CAN HELP

Need more clarity?

Find quick answers to frequent visa questions from our legal experts

What is EB-1A?

A visa for individuals with extraordinary ability.

How much documentation do I need to file a visa petition for an EB-1A or O-1A visa?

In US immigration processes, your claims must be more likely than not to be true. This means if something appears more true than false, USCIS should accept it as true. To meet this standard, the visa petitioner should provide documents that convincingly support the claim’s validity.

For instance, to prove you received VC funding, you could provide signed SAFE agreements with a VC, a published article about your funding round, and documentation about the relevance of the VC.

Keep in mind that theory and practice do not always perfectly align. It’s crucial you speak to an experienced legal team to avoid spending time and money on documentation that does not support your case.

Is it possible to re-apply to the USCIS if your application to the O-1A or EB-1A visas is rejected?

Yes, you can reapply as many times as you wish.

However, bear in mind that when you submit a green card petition or it’s submitted on your behalf, immigration authorities may sometimes see this as an indication that you plan to live in the US permanently (immigrant intent). This is incompatible with a key requirement for most temporary visas, which must express an intent to relocate to the US temporarily only.

If you plan to, or need to file a temporary visa application after filing an EB-1A application, this may affect your eligibility to renew or obtain your temporary visa.

Rules around resubmissions are nuanced, so it is advisable to consult with an experienced immigration attorney to understand all the implications.

Can I file for the EB-1A and the Adjustment of Status at the same time?

Yes in most cases (when your priority date is current), but we generally advise against it.

Filing for Adjustment of Status signals clear immigrant intent. If your EB-1A is denied, it could make obtaining non–dual intent visas (such as E-1 or E-2) more difficult.

The safer approach: secure EB-1A approval first, then apply for Adjustment of Status.

Can I apply for both the O-1 and EB-1A at the same time?

Yes. It’s possible to pursue both strategies simultaneously. However, it’s far more common to apply for the O-1 and then pursue the EB-1A. Many applicants use the O-1 as a “bridge” to work legally in the U.S. while building their profile for the EB-1A. The O-1 is temporary, while the EB-1A leads to permanent residency.

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