EB-1A Green Card – U.S. Permanent Residency for Individuals with Extraordinary Ability
The EB-1A Green Card is a subcategory of the EB-1 employment-based immigrant visa, reserved for individuals who can demonstrate extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. This category is designed for high-achieving professionals with a proven record of national or international acclaim and who intend to continue working in their field of expertise in the United States.
To qualify for the EB-1A, applicants must either present evidence of a one-time major international award (such as a Pulitzer Prize, Olympic medal, or Oscar) or meet at least three out of ten established criteria. These include, but are not limited to, receiving nationally or internationally recognized awards, being a member of prestigious associations, having media coverage or published materials about their work, judging the work of others, contributing original and significant work to their field, or earning a high salary compared to others in their profession.
Other qualifying factors include authorship of scholarly articles, leadership roles in notable organizations, exhibitions of artistic work, and commercial success in the performing arts. Applicants are not required to have a specific job offer or go through the labor certification process, making this green card route particularly attractive for independent professionals and entrepreneurs.
As a permanent resident, holders of the EB-1A Green Card may live and work in the United States indefinitely, provided they maintain residency and comply with immigration laws.
Family members, including a spouse and unmarried children under 21, may also be eligible to immigrate alongside the primary applicant. If the Form I-140 petition is approved, dependents may apply under the E-14 or E-15 immigrant classifications to join the primary applicant in the U.S.
The EB-1A offers a fast and flexible path to U.S. permanent residency for individuals who have reached the top of their field.