Introduction
The EB-1A is a U.S. immigrant visa for individuals who have reached the top of their field. It's part of the first preference employment-based category (EB-1), and it's designed for those who can demonstrate extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics—recognized through sustained national or international acclaim.
While qualifying may seem extremely difficult—and it does require significant effort—you don’t need to have won a Nobel Prize to be eligible.
What sets the EB-1A apart from many other green card categories is that it does not require a job offer or employer sponsorship. You can apply as a self-petitioner, as long as you can show that you intend to keep working in your area of expertise.
Who is eligible
The EB-1A is for individuals who have reached the very top of their profession and can prove it. What matters most is recognition, impact, and the ability to show evidence that others in your field acknowledge your excellence.
You might be eligible if you are
A venture-backed tech founder
A business leader with a history of success and industry influence
A scientist with widely cited research or prestigious awards
A performer or artist with international exhibitions or critical acclaim
A researcher or professor with major publications and conference roles
A professional athlete with a record of elite competition or coaching at a national level
A thought leader whose work shapes how others in your field think or act
Bottom line: If you’ve consistently stood out and your accomplishments are documented, measurable, and recognized, the EB-1A could be a fit—even if your journey doesn’t follow a traditional path.
Pros
No job offer required
You can apply as a self-petitioner—no need for an employer or sponsor.
Path to a green card
The EB-1A leads directly to permanent residency (green card), not just a temporary work visa.
Priority processing
This category offers the fastest processing times among all employment-based green card options and typically has no backlog.
Flexibility in future work
Once approved, you are not tied to a specific employer or role. You can work, consult, or even start a business.
No labor certification (PERM)
You don’t need to go through the lengthy and uncertain PERM process required in other green card categories.
Cons
High standard of proof
USCIS applies a strict two-step review process. Meeting the minimum criteria is not enough—you must also present a compelling final merits argument that demonstrates you are among the top professionals in your field. This includes strong evidence that your work has received sustained recognition and that the field considers you an expert with significant impact or influence.
Requires strong documentation
You’ll need solid evidence— like letters, metrics, media, publications—to back up every claim.
Can be subjective
Even with great credentials, success can depend on how well the case is presented and interpreted. This is why narrative and structure matter.
General requirements
Extraordinary ability
You must demonstrate that you have extraordinary ability in your field—meaning you are among the small percentage at the very top, and your achievements are backed by sustained national or international acclaim.
Evidence of recognition
You must provide either:
A one-time major internationally recognized award, or
Evidence that you meet at least 3 out of 10 USCIS criteria (we’ll cover these in detail next).
Intent to continue working in your field
You must show that you plan to keep working in your area of expertise after you move to the U.S. This doesn’t mean you need a job offer—it can be through self-employment, consulting, a startup, or continued research.
Substantial benefit to the US
You’ll need to explain how your work will benefit the United States—economically, socially, culturally, scientifically, or otherwise. USCIS interprets this broadly, but it must be clearly articulated.
No employer or sponsor required
You can apply as a self-petitioner, making this visa ideal for independent professionals, founders, creatives, and others without a formal US job offer.
Robust documentation
Strong letters of support, published work, media coverage, metrics, and a cohesive narrative are essential. This is a visa where how you present your story matters as much as what you’ve done.
Specific requirements (The 10 criteria)
1. Critical role
What it is
USCIS looks at whether you have played a leading, critical, or essential role for an organization or institution that has a distinguished reputation. This doesn’t require you to be a C-level executive—what matters is that your contributions were vital to the success or operations of a highly regarded organization. Your work must be clearly linked to the organization’s impact, success, or mission.
This criterion typically requires that you’ve been in the role for a certain period of time—usually at least one year—but shorter tenures can still qualify if supported by a strong and compelling narrative that demonstrates your influence and the importance of your contributions. Your work must be clearly linked to the organization’s impact, success, or mission.
Documentation you need
Description of your role and responsibilities
Letters from executives, project leads, or institutional heads confirming your importance
Proof of the organization’s distinguished reputation (media coverage, rankings, funding, awards, client list)
Evidence of outcomes or results tied to your work (metrics, performance data, project success)
USCIS may pushback:
The organization is not well-known or respected in the field
Your role appears routine, administrative, or interchangeable
Letters or descriptions lack detail or fail to show how your work was essential
There's no documentation connecting your efforts to major achievements of the organization
How to overcome that:
Provide specific examples of initiatives you led or influenced, and their measurable outcomes
Include evidence of the organization’s prestige (e.g., press, awards, funding, client base)
Use support letters from people with direct knowledge of your work to explain your contributions in context
Explain how your skills or leadership were instrumental in key outcomes
Examples
Startup founder at a VC-backed startup
Head of product at a fast-growing startup
Lead researcher on a government-funded project at a top-tier university
Director of strategy for a company with Fortune 500 clients
Senior team member on a high-impact program at a world-renowned NGO
Named investigator on a major public grant or scientific breakthrough
If you are not ready yet:
This is not a category you can typically build overnight—it usually takes time and trust within an organization. That said, it’s worth being strategic. If you're currently employed, look for ways to lead important projects , take ownership of high-impact initiatives, and demonstrate measurable value. If those opportunities don’t exist internally, consider getting involved in external organizations in your industry—whether it's a association, NGO, or advisory board—where your contributions can play a central role.
2. High remuneration
What it is
USCIS considers whether you have earned—or will earn—a high salary or other significant compensation compared to others in your field. This includes base salary, bonuses, stock options, equity, or any other form of remuneration.
The compensation must be in the top 10% of your field, taking into account your location, role, and the industry standard.
Documentation you need
Employment contracts or offer letters showing your salary
Pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements proving past compensation
Third-party wage data or salary surveys for your occupation and region (e.g., from Glassdoor, Payscale, BLS)
Valuation or documentation of stock/equity holdings
Comparative charts showing how your compensation ranks within your profession
USCIS may pushback:
Salary is typical or only slightly above average for your role or industry
No clear comparison is provided to show how your pay stands out
Compensation is self-reported without third-party or contractual confirmation
Equity or bonuses are speculative, with no proof of actual value
How to overcome that:
Use credible, well-known salary databases to show your earnings are in the top percentile
If you're outside the U.S., provide localized compensation data—don’t just convert to USD
For founders or early-stage startup employees, document external validation (e.g., funding rounds, investor due diligence, startup valuations)
Examples
Salary/payroll through your employer
Fellowships
Grants
High valued equity
Freelance work
Bonuses or other types of compensation
If you are not ready yet:
Let’s be honest—this isn’t exactly a category you can “strategically build.” We assume you're already trying to earn more money (who isn’t?). While negotiating a raise just for immigration purposes might not fly, it’s still worth knowing that offers, bonuses, or equity packages—especially if well-documented—can make a difference. If you're in a fast-growing industry or high-demand role, keep track of any indicators that your compensation stands out.
3. Awards
What it is
You’ve received national or international awards for excellence in your field.
This can include prizes from respected institutions, conference awards, or academic recognitions. You can also qualify if the award was given to a team, as long as you were officially named as a recipient.
Documentation you need
Certificates or official notices of the award
Description of the award and its purpose
Criteria used for selecting recipients
Evidence of who granted the award (e.g., respected institution, professional body)
Context that shows the award’s prestige (e.g., media coverage, list of past recipients, number of applicants)
USCIS may pushback:
The award is local, internal to a single company, or academic in nature (e.g., classroom prize, employee of the month)
There's no evidence of national or international recognition
The selection process isn’t clearly competitive or merit-based
The beneficiary is not clearly named in the award (e.g., generic team acknowledgments)
How to overcome that:
Provide third-party evidence (media coverage, press releases) to show the award’s impact
Include details about eligibility, number of recipients, and selection process
Submit expert letters explaining the award’s significance in your field
If the award is team-based, document your individual role and why your contribution was essential
Examples
VC funding
A national engineering award given by a professional association
“Top Innovator Under 35” award by a global tech publication
Research prizes from well-known academic or research institutions
Recognitions at international conferences judged by experts
If you are not ready yet:
Raise capital from institutional investors
Apply for competitive fellowships, grants, or industry awards
Submit your work to juried competitions or peer-reviewed programs
Increase your visibility by contributing to major conferences or innovation challenges
Join organizations that offer recognition programs and work toward earning those distinctions
4. Judging
What it is
USCIS wants to see whether you’ve served as a judge or evaluator of other professionals’ work in your field (or a closely related one). This can be through peer reviews, selection panels, judging a hackathon, a startup competition, a pitch competition, even reviewing open source code, or any role where your expertise is used to assess the contributions of others. You can qualify if you judged their work individually or as part of a panel.
Documentation you need
Invitations to judge or review
Proof that you actually completed the evaluation (as opposed to just being invited)
Descriptions of the event, journal, or organization involved
Evidence that the work you judged was in the same or allied field
USCIS may pushback:
You were only invited but didn’t actually participate
The judging was undocumented
The judging was part of your job duties (e.g. evaluating team members or reviewing code before deployment)
You judged students rather than the work of other professionals or experts
The work reviewed wasn’t in your field of expertise
How to overcome that:
Submit screenshots, emails, or certificates confirming you judged the work of others
Provide details of the review process and selection standards
Include information about the prestige or selectivity of what was being judged (e.g., an academic journal, funding program). While this is not mandatory, it provides helpful context and enhances your profile.
Attach a letter from the organization confirming your participation and its importance
Examples
Peer reviewer for a scholarly journal in your discipline
Invited to select members for a startup accelerator
Evaluator for research funding programs or innovation grants
Judge for a professional competition, pitch event, hackathon, or startup accelerator
Member of a dissertation or thesis committee at a research institution
If you are not ready yet:
Volunteer as a reviewer for industry journals or conference abstracts
Get involved in hackathons and perform as a judge
Join scientific, business, or creative communities that organize competitive events
Connect with professors or peers and offer to review papers
5. Membership
What it is
USCIS looks for evidence that you are or have been a member of associations in your field that require outstanding achievements for admission. These associations must evaluate applicants based on merit, using a panel of recognized national or international experts.
In some cases, basic membership may not meet the standard—especially if it’s open to anyone with a degree or who pays a fee. However, advanced levels of membership, select committees, or being elevated to an advisory or leadership board within the organization can qualify, even if the general membership is less selective.
This is not about being part of a general professional group—membership must be exclusive and merit-based, not just open to anyone with a degree or who pays a fee. It must also be your membership, not your company’s. Being affiliated with an association simply because your employer is a member, or because your company belongs to an industry group, does not meet this requirement.
That said, there are gray areas—for example, with startup accelerators or founder-focused programs. If the company was accepted based on your individual merit as a founder or leader, and you can show that you were the one evaluated, this may still qualify.
Also, sometimes it’s not just about being a member, but about your involvement in the organization. Serving on committees, contributing to publications, or playing an active role can strengthen the case—especially when higher levels of participation are merit-based.
Documentation you need
Proof of membership (certificate, letter, ID)
Official criteria for admission to the association
Description of the selection process (e.g., peer-reviewed, by invitation only, steps to get admitted)
List of reviewers or selection committee members (ideally experts in the field)
Documentation showing the association’s reputation in your profession
USCIS may pushback:
Membership is open to anyone who pays dues or meets basic education/experience thresholds
The association is not well-known or respected in the field
The petitioner fails to show that the selection process is based on outstanding achievement judged by experts
The membership level cited doesn’t require distinction (e.g., regular vs. fellow)
How to overcome that:
Clarify what level of membership you hold and what standards it required
Include evidence that shows how competitive or selective the process is
Provide expert letters attesting to the prestige of the association and its relevance in your field
Translate and explain foreign or lesser-known memberships with strong documentation
Examples
IEEE Fellow (requires nomination and peer review)
Fellow of the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI)
Membership in a national academy (e.g., National Academy of Sciences)
British Computer Society (Fellow level)
Invitation-based boards or scientific councils evaluated by field leaders
Renowned accelerator such as YC
If you are not ready yet:
Aim for achievement-based memberships rather than open ones
Contribute to the field in ways that make you eligible for selective fellowships or professional titles
Network and collaborate with associations known to recognize exceptional members
Apply for fellow-level or distinguished titles, even if you already have basic membership
6. Original contributions
What it is
This criterion focuses on whether you’ve made original contributions—scientific, scholarly, technical, or business-related—that are considered significant within your field. It’s not enough to do original work; it must have had a meaningful impact, shown through recognition, usage, or measurable influence.
What matters is not just the impact within your own company—USCIS is looking for contributions that have influenced the broader field. That could mean your work has been cited, adopted, replicated, commercialized, or otherwise recognized by peers, institutions, or the industry at large.
Documentation you need
Letters from recognized experts explaining the contribution’s significance in the field
Published research that has been cited frequently or sparked further innovation
Patents or licensed intellectual property in active use
Evidence of commercial applications or product adoption
Proof of your work being integrated into industry standards, technologies, or practices
Awards, grants, or media coverage linked directly to your innovation
USCIS may pushback:
The work is original but lacks clear impact or recognition in the field
Letters of support are vague, lack detail, or come from non-experts
There’s no evidence the contribution has been used, cited, or built upon
The work was team-based and doesn’t show your specific role
How to overcome that:
Submit support letters from leading figures in your field, explaining why your work is groundbreaking
Include citations, adoption metrics, or usage data
Provide contextual evidence—why your idea or method solved a key challenge or opened new pathways
If it’s team-based, highlight your leadership or origin of the idea, backed by collaborators or managers
Examples
A patented algorithm now used in commercial software
A business model adopted widely in your industry
A research paper that’s become a foundational reference in your field
A new methodology or protocol implemented across multiple institutions
A product innovation that’s generated measurable value or societal impact
If you are not ready yet:
Focus on projects that solve real industry problems and are likely to scale or attract attention
Collaborate with institutions or partners that can help bring your ideas to market or publication
Track and document impact over time—citations, product metrics, testimonials, etc.
Be intentional about sharing your innovations through conferences, media, or professional networks
Contribute to open source communities
7. Scholarly articles
What it is
USCIS assesses whether you have authored scholarly articles in your field, published in professional journals, academic publications, or other recognized media. These articles should demonstrate original thinking or research, and must be targeted at professionals or academics—not general audiences.
You don’t have to be the sole or first author, but your name must appear as a contributor.
Documentation you need
Full copies of the published articles
Proof of publication (journal name, issue, date, and your name as author)
Description of the publication’s reputation, scope, and audience
Evidence of peer review or editorial standards
Optional if you have it:
Include metrics like impact factor or citation rates
Add a short explanation of your article’s contribution to the field
Highlight how the article has been used, cited, or referenced
Good for final merits
USCIS may pushback:
The publication is not considered scholarly (e.g., blogs, newsletters)
Articles are not clearly connected to your field of extraordinary ability
There’s insufficient information about the publication’s relevance or audience
Your contribution is unclear (e.g., ghostwriting, no authorship credit)
How to overcome that:
Provide a journal description, including its peer-review process, target audience, and distribution
Examples
Articles in peer-reviewed academic journals (e.g., Journal of Applied Physics, Harvard Business Review)
Papers published in official conference proceedings
Contributions to professional trade journals with broad industry readership
Co-authored publications where you played a clear role in developing the content
Articles in industry-specific journals or academic publications
Papers presented at nationally or internationally recognized conferences
Research contributions published by professional organizations
If you are not ready yet:
Submit work to journals, publications or conferences relevant to your field (many accept first-time authors)
Write and publish a scholarly article in a peer-reviewed academic journal or a respected technical publication in your field which has an editorial process to publish articles
Collaborate with researchers or experts (professors at Universities working on a research where they need industry experts) who are experienced in scholarly publishing
8. Published materials about you
What it is
This criterion looks for published material in professional publications, major trade outlets, or major media that is about you and your work in the field for which you’re seeking the EB-1A visa.
It must go beyond a brief mention—USCIS is looking for substantive coverage that discusses your contributions, impact, or leadership in your area of expertise.
Documentation you need
Full copies or screenshots of the articles, showing:
Title, author, publication, and date
Substantive content focusing on you and your work
English translations (if applicable)
Proof that the publication is considered major or professionally recognized (e.g., readership stats, industry reputation, media kit, similarweb.com )
USCIS may pushback:
The material only references you briefly or generically (e.g., name in a list)
The content is not clearly about your work in the field
The publication is not recognized as a major media or professional outlet
The article focuses on a team or company, and doesn’t highlight your individual role
How to overcome that:
Choose articles where your contributions are clearly explained and linked to your achievements
Provide context about the publication's influence in your field (readership data, impact, audience)
If you're part of a team, supplement with letters or documentation showing your specific role
Examples
A feature profile about your groundbreaking research in a leading science magazine
An interview in a business journal where you discuss your innovations and leadership
Press coverage of a product launch or project you led, highlighting your expertise
Coverage of a conference presentation where you were a main speaker
TV or radio interviews about you and your work
If you are not ready yet:
Build relationships with journalists covering your industry/area of expertise
Work on compelling/unique content, with the goal to become a trusted voice in your field
Pitch your story or projects to relevant media outlets
Present at major events and share those appearances online to attract coverage
Write thought leadership content that positions you as an authority
Collaborate with your employer’s PR or marketing team to get visibility in industry press
9. Display of the person's work in the field at artistic exhibitions or showcases
What it means
This criterion primarily applies to artists, designers, and other creative professionals. USCIS looks for evidence that your original artistic work has been publicly displayed in recognized exhibitions or showcases—whether physical or virtual.
Although this category is mainly intended for artists, USCIS has acknowledged that the exhibition of work in a non-artistic field can also qualify. For example, presenting your work at a professional conference may be considered.
What kind of documentation you need
Invitations or confirmations from the exhibiting organization
Photographs or promotional materials showing your work and name
Press coverage or catalog entries
Evidence that the event was public and recognized in your field
Evidence that the exhibited work is your own
For virtual exhibitions: audience data, screenshots, platform info, and curatorial context
Why USCIS might deny this criterion
Your work was displayed but you were not identified as the presenter
The event lacks recognition or credibility in the creative field
There’s no clear connection between the exhibition and your reputation
The work exhibited is not yours
Ways to overcome these issues
Focus on solo or curated group exhibitions that are open to the public
Show the reputation of the gallery, festival, or institution
Include letters from curators or organizers verifying your role and the significance of the exhibition
Avoid informal or internal company displays unless they were part of a notable event
Examples that may qualify
A solo or featured show at a known contemporary art space
Participation in a juried design biennale
Selection for an international photography exhibit
Showcasing your fashion collection at a major industry event
Inclusion in a digital exhibition hosted by a recognized institution or platform
If you are not ready yet:
Submit your work to juried competitions or open calls for exhibitions
Document your participation clearly—photos, programs, curators’ bios
Build relationships with institutions that organize or curate public showcases
For virtual creators: prioritize platforms with curation, credibility, and audience reach
10. Commercial success in the performing arts, as shown by box office receipts or record, cassette, compact disk, or video sales
What it means
This criterion is for performers, musicians, filmmakers, and other artists whose work has seen measurable commercial success. It’s about sales and audience impact—not just critical acclaim.
USCIS focuses on quantifiable metrics like ticket sales, music streaming numbers, chart rankings, or box office revenue. The work must be in the performing arts, and the success must be clearly attributable to you.
What kind of documentation you need
Box office reports or gross revenue statements
Music streaming or download statistics (Spotify, Apple, YouTube, etc.)
Sales reports for albums, books, or performances
Chart rankings (Billboard, iTunes, Amazon, etc.)
Press coverage or industry reports documenting commercial success
Distributor or venue statements verifying your impact on performance turnout
Why USCIS might deny this criterion
The sales data is vague, unverifiable, or unrelated to your individual work
The project involved many people but your role wasn’t clearly identified
The metrics show moderate success, but not standout commercial impact
The performance was released but didn’t generate significant sales or viewership
Ways to overcome these issues
Use third-party data and avoid self-reported or inflated claims
Include expert letters that contextualize your success in the industry
Provide comparisons or benchmarks to show why your numbers are impressive
Examples that may qualify
A lead actor in a film that grossed significantly above industry averages
A musician whose single topped regional charts and hit high streaming numbers
A dancer featured in a sold-out international tour
A comedian with a Netflix special and verified audience stats
If you are not ready yet:
Focus on platforms that generate trackable public metrics (e.g., YouTube, Spotify)
Promote your work through official channels that report performance data
Build a release strategy that targets both reach and revenue
Collect and archive your own stats with screenshots and third-party verification
Final thoughts
The EB-1A green card is a powerful option for individuals at the top of their field who want to live and work permanently in the U.S. But USCIS doesn’t just look for talent—it looks for proof of sustained national or international acclaim, and a persuasive narrative that ties everything together.
This visa has high standards, but it’s also one of the few green card options that doesn’t require a job offer, sponsor, or employer. That makes it an incredibly valuable opportunity for an entrepreneur building a high-impact company, a technologist leading innovation, a researcher pushing the boundaries of knowledge, a business leader driving growth, or a scientist making transformative discoveries.
Many professionals rule themselves out too quickly, assuming the EB-1A is only for Nobel Prize winners or household names. In reality, with the right framing and a strong legal strategy, even those without widespread fame can build a successful case—especially when their work has clearly moved the field forward.
