A visa for individuals with extraordinary ability.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Yes. Evidence of press coverage—especially in reputable, independent outlets—is strong proof of recognition in your field. However, not all articles are born equal, and some are far more relevant than others. The article should be mostly about you and your work, have a listed author, and date.

No. Technically you can self-file (for EB-1A) or have an employer file without an attorney. However, due to the complexity of the evidence, most applicants strongly benefit from legal representation.

They serve to contextualize and validate your achievements. Strong letters from independent experts can significantly strengthen your case. Letters are not going to be the cornerstone of the application, but are very relevant and helpful to the case.

No. Only U.S. citizens can sponsor parents. Once you become a citizen (typically after holding a green card for 5 years, or 3 years if you became permanent resident through marriage with a US citizen), you may petition for them.

Extraordinary ability is the language you must use in O-1 and EB-1A cases, and it means you are among the very top in your field. Exceptional ability (EB-2 NIW wording) means you have expertise significantly above the average but not necessarily at the very top.

Yes, but they are generally weaker than major national or international awards. They can still support your profile when combined with stronger evidence. In most cases regional awards are not useful for the awards criteria but are still helpful to establish recognition in your field.

Yes. Patents that have been commercialized or frequently cited can help demonstrate original contributions. However, simply holding a patent that has not been applied or recognized by others in the field is not sufficient to establish this category.

It depends. For scientists and academics, publications in peer-reviewed journals are often a cornerstone of the case. For professionals in business, arts, or other industries, other types of evidence (press, awards, leadership, impact) may carry more weight.

Absolutely. Speaking engagements—especially at well-known or international conferences—show that you are recognized as an authority in your field. The more selective and prestigious the event, the stronger the evidence. Although it does not fall into a specific category, it is very important for the final merits evaluation.