U.S Immigration Guide
EB-1A Eligibility
Discover if you qualify for the EB-1A green card based on extraordinary ability criteria.
EB-1A Green Card, the applicant must demonstrate extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. No job offer or labor certification is required.
✅ EB-1A Eligibility Requirements
The applicant must either:
Have a major internationally recognized award, such as a Nobel Prize, or
Meet at least 3 out of 10 criteria set by USCIS.
✅ Qualifying Criteria (Choose at least 3):
Lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes for excellence in the field.
Membership in associations requiring outstanding achievements.
Published material about the individual in major trade or media outlets.
Participation as a judge of others’ work in the field.
Original contributions of major significance to the field.
Authorship of scholarly articles in reputable publications or media.
Exhibitions or showcases of the applicant’s work in artistic settings.
Leading or critical roles for distinguished organizations.
High salary or remuneration in comparison to others in the field.
Commercial success in performing arts (e.g., sales, box office).
Explanation with Exmaples
1. Lesser Nationally or Internationally Recognized Prizes
Receiving lesser-known awards still qualifies if the prizes reflect excellence and competitive selection. These may include industry-specific awards, national innovation medals, or professional excellence recognitions. Learn how to present these under EB-1A by visiting Path2USA’s EB-1A criteria guide.
Example: A regional innovation award for financial product development, or a national “Top 40 Under 40” in business leadership.
Types of Awards that Support EB-1A.
2. Membership in Associations Requiring Outstanding Achievements
Memberships in selective associations can demonstrate elite standing in the field. The organization must have strict criteria and evaluate members based on professional accomplishments. For more details, refer to USCIS's membership evaluation policy.
Example: Membership in the Institute of Financial Services Professionals, where applicants must demonstrate significant industry contributions.
🔗 USCIS Guidance on Membership Requirements
3. Published Material About the Individual
Articles or features written about the applicant in mainstream or trade media can validate prominence. These should appear in reputable outlets and include substantial commentary on the individual’s achievements. Explore examples at Immi-USA’s EB-1A media mention guidance.
Example: A full-page feature in Forbes or Bloomberg profiling an applicant’s work in fintech innovation.
🔗 EB-1A Published Material Evidence
4. Participation as a Judge of the Work of Others
Serving as a reviewer, evaluator, or judge in competitions, academic journals, or industry awards shows recognized expertise. This role should be documented with invitations, event descriptions, or acknowledgments. Learn more from USCIS’s definition of judging work.
Example: Serving as a judge for StartUp Pitch Competitions or peer-reviewing finance papers in a refereed journal.
🔗 Evidence of Judging Others – USCIS
5. Original Contributions of Major Significance
Original inventions, methodologies, or strategic frameworks that are widely implemented or cited can satisfy this criterion. The impact must be recognized through documentation like adoption records, testimonials, or press. See a full explanation at Murthy Law’s EB-1A original contribution breakdown.
Example: Launching a low-cost housing finance model adopted by multiple banks or governments.
🔗 Proving Original Contributions for EB-1A
6. Authorship of Scholarly Articles
Publishing in recognized journals or professional media supports this criterion. Articles should be technical or analytical in nature and ideally cited by others. For guidance, see GreenCardForPhD’s EB-1A article requirements.
Example: A peer-reviewed article on mortgage finance in the Journal of Financial Economics.
🔗 Scholarly Article Authorship – EB-1A
7. Exhibitions or Showcases of the Applicant’s Work
For artists, designers, or performers, public exhibitions or showcases in recognized venues demonstrate acclaim. Venues must be professional and the work must be central to the exhibition. Learn more from Murthy Law’s EB-1A for artists page.
Example: A solo art exhibit at a national museum, or design showcase at an international design expo.
🔗 EB-1A for Artists and Creatives
8. Leading or Critical Roles for Distinguished Organizations
Holding a top position (e.g., department head, senior manager) in a reputable organization shows trust and professional esteem. Evidence may include job descriptions, performance reports, and media mentions. Visit USAVisaNow's leading role explanation for examples.
Example: Director of Product Development at a top-tier multinational bank or FinTech firm.
🔗 EB-1A Leading/Critical Role Explained
9. High Salary or Remuneration
If your earnings significantly exceed others in similar roles, this reflects exceptional ability. Submit salary surveys, job offers, or pay stubs as supporting documents. Review EllisPorter’s high salary guidance for more details.
Example: Annual compensation in the top 5% of professionals in the financial services industry.
🔗 High Salary Criteria for EB-1A
10. Commercial Success in Performing Arts
Sales figures, revenue charts, and box office data can demonstrate extraordinary ability for artists and entertainers. Streaming royalties and licensing contracts also apply. See the criteria at Boundless
Example: A singer with platinum album sales or a filmmaker whose work grossed over $1M internationally.
EB-1A Services
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Document Preparation
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