EB-1 Visa for Priority Workers (Multinational Executives, Outstanding Researchers, Extraordinary Ability)
EB-1 Visa for Priority Workers
(Multinational Executives, Outstanding Researchers, Extraordinary Ability)
You may be eligible for an employment-based visa if you have an extraordinary ability, are an outstanding professor or researcher, or are a multinational executive or manager. Each occupational category has certain requirements that must be met.
Classification and Evidences
Classification and Evidences
Extraordinary Ability
You must be able to demonstrate extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics through sustained national or international acclaim. Your achievements must be recognized in your field through extensive documentation. No offer of employment is required. You must meet 3 of 10 criteria, or provide evidence of a one-time achievement (i.e., Pulitzer, Oscar, Olympic Medal)
Outstanding professors and researchers
You must demonstrate international recognition for your outstanding achievements in a particular academic field. You must have at least 3 years experience in teaching or research in that academic area. You must be entering the United States in order to pursue tenure or tenure in track teaching or comparable research position at a university or other institution of higher education. You must include documentation and an offer of employment from the prospective U.S. employer.
Multinational manager or executive
You must have been employed outside the United States in the 3 years preceding the petition for at least 1 year by a firm or corporation and you must be seeking to enter the United States to continue service to that firm or organization. Your employment must have been outside the United States in a managerial or executive capacity and with the same employer, an affiliate, or a subsidiary of the employer. Your petitioning employer must be a U.S. employer. Your employer must have been doing business for at least 1 year, as an affiliate, a subsidiary, or as the same corporation or other legal entity that employed you abroad.
Source: uscis.gov
Our immigration attorneys have extensive experience in immigration law and can guarantee you competent and effective legal representation in pursuing your lawful permanent residence. Schedule an appointment online (in person or phone call consultations) to learn more about how you can permanently live and work in the United States and eventually become a U.S. citizen.
Questions
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Blog Posts
Blog Posts
The United States has long been a destination for the world’s most talented athletes—not only to compete at the highest level, but to access world-class training, coaching opportunities, and long-term career prospects. Whether on the field, in the ring, or across the chessboard, athletes from across the globe are finding immigration pathways that allow them to pursue their athletic and professional goals in the U.S. U.S. immigration law offers several visa and green card options designed specifically for individuals with extraordinary athletic talent. These include the P-1A visa for internationally recognized athletes, the O-1A visa for individuals of extraordinary ability, and the EB-1A immigrant petition, which can lead to permanent residency and ultimately, U.S. citizenship. The P-1A visa is commonly used by professional athletes coming to the U.S. to compete in a specific event or season. This applies not only to individual athletes but also to members of teams or clubs recognized internationally. It is widely used by soccer players, basketball players, MMA fighters, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitors, and even elite chess players. Athletes must demonstrate a high level of international recognition and a record of performance in their sport. The O-1A visa is a strong option for coaches who demonstrate extraordinary ability, typically evidenced by championship titles, sustained winning records, or recognition as integral to their team’s success. To qualify, a coach must establish that their expertise places them among the small percentage of top professionals in their field. For athletes seeking permanent status in the U.S., the EB-1A immigrant petition —often referred to as the “extraordinary ability green card”—provides a direct path to lawful permanent residency. It requires clear documentation that the individual is among the very best in their sport and has achieved sustained national or international success. Unlike other green card categories, the EB-1A does not require employer sponsorship and can be self-petitioned. This has become a common path for MMA world champions, BJJ black belt medalists, Olympic athletes, and chess grandmasters—many of whom now represent the U.S. at the highest levels of international competition. It’s important to note that U.S. immigration law defines “athlete” broadly. Whether you are a professional football player in Europe, a sprinter from the Caribbean, a judoka, a gymnast, or a grandmaster in chess, your achievements may qualify under these categories if they are properly documented and presented. The key is a consistent record of excellence and recognition in your sport on a national or international scale. Our office specializes in these types of immigration matters. Whether you are an individual athlete looking to relocate or an organization seeking to bring international talent to your roster, we offer tailored legal strategies to support your goals. If you are exploring options to compete, train, or build your future in the U.S., we’re here to help you take the next step.
If you’ve recently received the exciting news that your O-1 visa has been approved, congratulations! The O-1 is a prestigious visa, granted only to individuals who can demonstrate extraordinary ability in their field — whether it’s O-1A: individuals with an extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics, or O-1B: individuals with an extraordinary ability in the arts or extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry. Getting O-1 approval is no small feat, and it’s a true validation of your talent and hard work. But for many O-1 visa holders, that approval brings up the next big question — what’s the path to securing a green card? For those aiming to remain in the United States permanently, the EB-1A visa is often the natural next step. It’s also known as the green card for individuals of extraordinary ability, which makes it a close cousin to the O-1. Obtaining U.S. permanent residency through EB-1A involves two steps: 1) securing approval of the EB-1A immigration petition (Form 1-40) and 2) adjusting status to that of permanent resident or seeking consular processing. However, while these two categories share similarities, they are not identical. The EB-1A standard is significantly higher, and many O-1 holders underestimate just how much more evidence they need to present to qualify for permanent residency. The good news is, if you’re proactive and strategic about building your case, you can significantly improve your chances of success. Understanding the Difference Between O-1 and EB-1A Both the O-1 and EB-1A visas focus on individuals with extraordinary ability, but they serve different purposes. The O-1 is a temporary work visa that allows you to come to the U.S. to work on specific projects or for a particular employer. It requires a U.S. sponsor to file the petition on your behalf. The EB-1A, by contrast, is an immigrant visa — it is the first step toward obtaining permanent residency. Because the EB-1A leads to permanent residency, its eligibility standards are even higher. You must not only demonstrate extraordinary ability but also show that your recognition is sustained over time and that your work has had a lasting impact on your field. What Can You Reuse From Your O-1 Case? If you put together a strong O-1 petition, some of the evidence you submitted will still be valuable for EB-1A. This includes your awards, media coverage, expert letters, and proof of memberships in prestigious organizations. But the EB-1A demands more — you need to go beyond showing what you’ve accomplished and prove that your influence is ongoing, impactful, and recognized at a national or international level. How to Strengthen Your Case While on O-1 One of the smartest moves you can make is to use your time on the O-1 visa to actively strengthen your EB-1A profile. This means seeking out opportunities to get your work featured in top-tier media, publishing more original contributions, judging competitions, and taking leadership roles in your professional community. Every action you take to enhance your visibility and influence. Final Thoughts — The Path from O-1 to EB-1A is Achievable You may not be able to file your EB-1A today, but we can help you build your case step by step. Whether you need guidance on strengthening your profile, identifying the right evidence, or preparing a strategic filing plan, our team is here to support you. If you’re currently on an O-1 visa and you believe you may be eligible for an EB-1A visa in the future, we encourage you to contact our office. Our experienced attorneys have helped countless individuals successfully navigate this path, and we would be happy to review your case and create a personalized roadmap for your green card journey.
In the landscape of U.S. immigration law, the pursuit of an employment-based green card can be a significant milestone for foreign nationals aspiring to establish their careers in the United States. Among the various pathways available, self-sponsorship for an employment-based green card stands out as an option that grants individuals the ability to sponsor their own immigration journey, offering a unique opportunity for skilled professionals and entrepreneurs. Traditionally, most employment-based green card categories require an employer to sponsor the foreign national, demonstrating the need for their skills or expertise. However, certain visa categories permit self-sponsorship, allowing individuals to petition for permanent residency without a specific employer's sponsorship. These include: 1. EB-1A Extraordinary Ability: Individuals with extraordinary abilities in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics may self-petition for an employment-based green card. They must demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim, providing extensive evidence of their achievements in their field. 2. EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW): This category enables individuals whose work is deemed to be in the interest of the United States to self-sponsor. Applicants must demonstrate their work's significance and how it benefits the nation as a whole. 3. EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program: Entrepreneurs investing in a new commercial enterprise that creates jobs for U.S. workers can self-petition for an employment-based green card. They must meet certain investment thresholds and fulfill job creation requirements. While these classifications have the advantage of allowing an individual to self-petition, each of these applications have distinct, stringent requirements to meet. This route can be challenging, requiring substantial evidence and a compelling case to prove extraordinary abilities or qualifications. Additionally, meeting the high standards set by USCIS for self-sponsorship can be demanding, necessitating thorough preparation and documentation. Navigating the complexities of immigration law, especially concerning self-sponsorship, often requires professional legal guidance. Seeking assistance from experienced immigration attorneys or consultants can significantly enhance the chances of a successful self-sponsored green card application, ensuring compliance with the intricate regulations and requirements. If you have any questions about what this means for you, please schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys. We look forward to working with you.
