The eb1 green card category is for foreign nationals who have risen to the top of their fields in science, arts, education, business, or athletics. This visa offers a fast track to lawful permanent residency for the person, their spouse and children. It is unique among the employment-based first preference (EB1) categories in that it allows a person to “self-petition.” This means they do not need an employer to act as sponsor/petitioner. Rather, the person must show they are of extraordinary ability and meet three out of ten regulatory criteria.
In addition to having significant accomplishments in their field, the person must have gained recognition for these accomplishments on a national and international level. This can be evidenced by a variety of ways such as published articles, major media coverage, prestigious awards, and having a high number of citations in academic publications.
Understanding the EB1 Green Card: Eligibility, Process, and Benefits
Commercial success is also a way of showing that the work has made money for the person, such as box office receipts in performing arts or record, cassette, compact disks, and video sales. This is another criterion that can be proven in a variety of ways depending on the person’s occupation.
Compared to other employment-based immigrant categories, the EB1 category typically has the shortest wait time. However, since the demand for this category has increased, EB1 wait times are subject to fluctuation and can vary significantly depending on the country of origin. For this reason, it is important to consult an experienced EB1 attorney to ensure you are submitting the most compelling evidence.