EB-1 Visa: Everything You Need to Know to Apply Successfully in 2025

Are you an extraordinary professional, academic, or executive looking to live and work in the United States? The EB-1 visa may be your best pathway to permanent residency — without the long waits or labor certification process.

At AB Legal Consult, we help ambitious individuals like you navigate the EB-1 green card process with precision, strategy, and personalized legal support.

What Is the EB-1 Visa?

The EB-1 visa is a U.S. employment-based immigrant visa designed for individuals who demonstrate extraordinary ability, are outstanding professors or researchers, or are multinational executives or managers. It’s often considered the “fast-track green card” because it does not require labor certification and generally has shorter wait times compared to other visa categories.

Once approved, the EB-1 visa leads directly to lawful permanent residency (a green card) in the U.S.

Who Qualifies for an EB-1 Visa?

There are three EB-1 subcategories:

EB-1A: Extraordinary Ability

You must prove sustained national or international acclaim in your field, such as:

  • Science
  • Arts
  • Education
  • Business
  • Athletics

No job offer is required — you can self-petition.

You must meet at least 3 of the following 10 criteria:

  • Awards or prizes of excellence
  • Membership in distinguished associations
  • Published material about you in major media
  • Judging the work of others
  • Original contributions of major significance
  • Scholarly articles in recognized journals
  • Showcased artistic work
  • Leading roles in distinguished organizations
  • High salary or compensation
  • Commercial success in performing arts

🔔 USCIS Update (2024): Team awards and former memberships now qualify under certain EB-1A criteria.

EB-1B: Outstanding Professors and Researchers

You must:

  • Have at least 3 years of teaching or research experience
  • Be internationally recognized in a specific academic field
  • Have a job offer from a U.S. university or qualifying private employer

You must meet 2 out of 6 criteria, including:

  • Major prizes or awards
  • Memberships in selective associations
  • Published material about your work
  • Participation as a judge of others’ work
  • Original scientific research contributions
  • Authorship of scholarly books or articles

EB-1C: Multinational Executives and Managers

You must:

  • Have worked abroad in a managerial or executive role for 1 of the last 3 years
  • Be coming to work for a related U.S. entity (subsidiary, affiliate, etc.) in a similar role

Your U.S. employer must have been operating for at least 1 year.

EB-1 Visa Cost (2025)

FormPurposeFee
I-140Immigrant Petition (paid by employer or self)$715
I-485Adjustment of Status (U.S. applicants)$1,440
DS-260Consular processing (overseas applicants)$345
I-864Affidavit of Support (if applicable)$120
USCIS Immigrant FeeGreen card processing$235

EB-1 Visa Processing Time

  • Form I-140: ~7.7 months average
  • Premium processing (optional): 15 calendar days
  • Adjustment of Status (I-485): ~6.9 months
  • Consular processing: Varies by embassy/consulate location

Unlike other visas, EB-1 applicants usually don’t face long visa backlogs, which means faster access to green cards.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the EB-1 Visa

  1. File Form I-140 with supporting documentation (either by employer or by applicant)
  2. Wait for USCIS decision
  3. If approved:
    • File Form I-485 (if already in the U.S.), OR
    • Begin consular processing from abroad (DS-260 + interview)
  4. Attend biometrics appointment and medical exam
  5. Complete visa interview
  6. If approved, receive EB-1 visa or green card

Is the EB-1 Visa Permanent?

Yes. Once you receive your EB-1 green card, your status is permanent as long as you continue to meet the requirements (such as maintaining your employment, if applicable). You may also apply for U.S. citizenship after five years of lawful permanent residency.

Can My Family Join Me?

Yes. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can apply for green cards under E-14 and E-15 classifications.

Why Choose AB Legal Consult?

At AB Legal Consult, we’ve guided numerous professionals through complex EB-1 cases, including:

  • Scientists publishing in top journals
  • Entrepreneurs and business leaders
  • Artists and athletes with international acclaim
  • Professors at U.S. institutions

👩‍⚖️ Akosua Owusua Owusu-Banahene, lead attorney and founder, works closely with each client to gather strong evidence, write persuasive letters, and respond to Requests for Evidence (RFEs) when needed.

We take care of:

  • Determining if you meet USCIS criteria
  • Building your strongest possible petition
  • Filing all forms and communicating with USCIS
  • Preparing you for interviews
  • Helping spouses and children with derivative green cards

Start Your EB-1 Journey Today

Ready to turn your expertise into permanent residency?

Book a free consultation with AB Legal Consult and let’s evaluate your EB-1 eligibility together.

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