Green card

Nonimmigrant visa

Advanced Degree or Exceptional Ability

Internationally Recognized Athletes

Physicians, Engineers, Business analysts, IT professionals, Scientists, Professors and teachers, Physical therapists, Lawyers, Pharmacists

Professional athletes, Coaches, Sports instructors, Athletic trainers, Professional gamers, Sports officials, Athletic teams

• You must hold an advanced degree (master's or higher), possess a bachelor's degree plus five years of progressive work experience, or demonstrate exceptional ability in your field by showing at least 3 of 6 requirements, such as maintaining membership in professional associations and earning recognition for your contributions to your industry from peers or professional organizations.

• A job offer and labor certification (PERM) are required, proving that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the position.

• Demonstrate international recognition with significant sports achievements.

• Participate in top-level events or competitions.

• Enter the U.S. to compete or participate in high-profile sports events.

• Provides complete flexibility to work, live, and study in the U.S.

• Straightforward process with clear requirements.

• Highly flexible, applicable to almost any job that requires an advanced degree or aligns with the exceptional ability criteria.

• Facilitates entry for top athletes to compete in the U.S.

• Simplifies the process with team petitions for groups.

• Extended stay periods accommodate individual athletes' competition schedules.

• Flexible sponsorship options, including sponsorship by an agent—an individual or entity designated to act on your behalf—instead of a single payroll employer. This allows you to work for multiple employers and change employers easily.

• The labor certification process (PERM) is lengthy and time-consuming.

• Applicants are tied to the employer sponsoring the petition for most of the application process.

• Slower processing times compared to other categories, particularly for applicants from certain countries.

• Requires strict documentation of international recognition and significant achievements.

• Spouses and dependents do not receive work authorization.

• Renewal and extension processes require proof of continued eligibility and upcoming competitions.

Required

Required

Permanent residency

Up to 5 years for individuals and up to 1 year for teams¹.

Every 10 years

Up to 10 years for individuals and in 1-year increments for teams².

Three stages, totaling about 36-48 months¹

3-6 months

15 business days²

15 business days

Yes

No

¹Applicants from India, China, or Mexico may experience longer wait times.

²Available for only one stage of the process, with minimal impact on the overall processing time.

^{1, 2}Validity and renewable options depend on the specific classification of the athlete or team.