EB-1A
Green card
Extraordinary Ability in Sciences, Arts, Education, Business, or Athletics
EntrepreneursIndustry expertsResearchersAthletesSTEM professionalsArtists
Sponsorship
Not required
Validity
Permanent residency
Renewable
Every 10 years
Processing
10-24 months1
Premium processing
15 business days2
Can spouse work
Yes
Required
- Prove sustained extraordinary achievement in your field with at least 3 of 10 types of required evidence, such as receiving prestigious awards, getting coverage in the media or professional publications, or having a critical or relevant role in a distinguished organization or project.
- Continue working in your area of extraordinary ability in the U.S.
Pros
- Complete flexibility to work, live, and study in the U.S.
- No need for employer sponsorship, offering great flexibility.
- No labor certification needed, simplifying application.
- Offers the quickest pathway to a green card among EB categories.
- Direct path to citizenship after 5 years.
Cons
- High bar to demonstrate extraordinary ability.
Know others visas
Green card
EB-2 NIW
Non-immigrant
O-1A
Non-immigrant