The EB-1 visa is one of the most prestigious U.S. employment-based green card categories. It’s designed for top-tier individuals — people with extraordinary ability, outstanding academic records, or high-level international management experience. But who exactly qualifies?
At AB Legal Consult, we help professionals, academics, and executives secure EB-1 visas with confidence. Here’s what you need to know about eligibility — and how we can guide you every step of the way.
EB-1 Visa Overview
The EB-1 visa falls under the first preference employment-based immigrant visa category and is divided into three subgroups:
- EB-1A: Individuals with Extraordinary Ability
- EB-1B: Outstanding Professors and Researchers
- EB-1C: Multinational Executives and Managers
Unlike many other green card categories, no labor certification (PERM) is required — and in some cases, no employer sponsorship is needed.
Who Qualifies for the EB-1 Visa?
1. EB-1A: Individuals with Extraordinary Ability
This path is for individuals who have reached the top of their field in:
- Sciences
- Arts
- Education
- Business
- Athletics
You must demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim, backed by extensive documentation. You do not need a job offer — self-petitioning is allowed.
You may qualify if:
- You’ve received major national or international awards
- You’re a member of associations requiring outstanding achievement
- You’ve been featured in professional or major trade publications
- You’ve judged the work of others in your field
- You’ve made original contributions of major significance
- You’ve authored scholarly articles
- You’ve had your work exhibited (for artists)
- You’ve earned a high salary compared to others in your field
- You’ve held key roles in distinguished organizations
- You’ve shown commercial success in the arts
Latest USCIS Update (2024–2025):
- Team awards now count toward the “awards” criteria
- Former memberships are valid under the “association” criteria
- Published material doesn’t have to prove the “value” of your work — only that you were covered
- Exhibitions must still be artistic in nature unless supported by other evidence
📌 You must meet at least 3 of the 10 USCIS criteria — or provide comparable evidence.
2. EB-1B: Outstanding Professors and Researchers
This subcategory is for academic professionals with a record of exceptional achievement and at least three years of experience in teaching or research.
You may qualify if:
- You have international recognition for your academic achievements
- You’ve published influential research or scholarly work
- You’ve been invited to judge or review the work of peers
- You have employment offers from a U.S. university or research institution for a tenured or tenure-track role
📌 EB-1B requires a job offer from a qualifying U.S. employer.
3. EB-1C: Multinational Executives and Managers
This category is tailored for experienced executives and managers transferring to the U.S. from multinational companies.
You may qualify if:
- You’ve worked outside the U.S. for at least 1 year in the last 3 years
- Your role was managerial or executive in nature
- You’re joining the same employer or an affiliated company in the U.S.
- Your U.S. position will be managerial or executive
📌 A U.S. job offer and qualifying corporate relationship are required.
EB-1 Visa Processing Time and Benefits
- No PERM labor certification required
- Premium processing available for faster results
- Current priority dates in most categories — no visa backlog
- Family members (spouse and children under 21) can apply as derivatives
How AB Legal Consult Can Help
At AB Legal Consult, we specialize in guiding high-achieving professionals through the EB-1 process — whether you’re self-petitioning or applying through an employer.
We help you:
- Evaluate your EB-1A, EB-1B, or EB-1C eligibility
- Collect and frame strong supporting documentation
- Draft custom letters of recommendation
- Navigate updates to USCIS evidence standards
- Prepare for interviews and RFE responses
Ready to Apply for the EB-1 Visa?
The EB-1 green card could be your fastest path to permanent residency in the U.S. — but getting approved requires strategic evidence and expert guidance.👉 Book a free consultation with Attorney Akosua Owusua Owusu-Banahene today.
Let’s build a winning case for your extraordinary future.