If you’re an immigrant, you’ve probably heard of the E-1A and E-2 visas. These are the most common types of visas for foreign investors, but not all investors qualify for them. To qualify for either one of these visas, you must show that your investment will benefit the U.S. economy by creating jobs or expanding an existing U.S business — or both! If you have a job offer from a U.S employer who wants to hire you in his or her business and believes that hiring you will make his/her company more successful, then it may be possible for him/her to obtain sponsorship for this kind of visa with USCIS (U.S Citizenship and Immigration Service). This is called an EB-1A Green Card based on “extraordinary ability.”

First, applicants need to satisfy the EB-1A requirements, which include demonstrating extraordinary ability. Here ‘extraordinary’ means remarkable expertise in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. This skill set must be well-documented and recognized nationally or internationally. By compiling a thorough portfolio of awards, media coverage, professional memberships, and endorsements, you prove your achievement to USCIS.
The second step pertains to petition filing. The petitioner or applicant must file a Form I-140, Petition for Alien Worker, with USCIS. This sets the EB-1 visa application process in motion and distinguishes it from other green card applications. Unlike other visa categories, the EB-1A Green Card does not require labor certification wherein the employer needs to demonstrate to the U.S. Department of Labor that there are not enough qualified U.S. workers available and willing to do your job.

The third step is all about waiting for the approval and processing time. The waiting period varies depending on a few factors, including the country of origin, the volume of applications at USCIS at that time, and whether premium processing is utilized. Once the EB-1A visa is approved, the applicant can proceed to the final stages of the Green Card process, including a personal interview and medical examination.

By focusing on these three steps – demonstrating extraordinary ability in your field, successfully petitioning via EB1A, and navigating the waiting period – you can successfully obtain your EB-1A Green Card. Keep in mind that the path can be complex and time-consuming, but it is certainly achievable for those with genuinely extraordinary capabilities. The EB-1A Green Card holds the key to a wealth of opportunities and benefits that come with being a resident in the U.S. A well-planned approach to the application process will help you unlock these benefits with ease.

Step 1: Gather evidence for alien of extraordinary ability

To apply for an EB-1A Green Card, you need to prove that you are a person of extraordinary ability and your employer is willing to sponsor your application. Evidence can include:

Qualifications and achievements that have been recognized by experts in the field (including awards, grants, or fellowships)
Copies of articles published in scientific journals; books or book chapters written by you; patents created by you; or presentations given at conferences on your work. You should also include any other evidence as well if it shows how well-known your work is within the industry/field.* Copies of contracts entered into between yourself and an employer for creative works such as books, movies, music albums etc.* Financial statements showing past earnings.* Evidence of continuous employment with one company over many years

Step 2: Compose an explanatory letter for the application process

This is the second step, and it’s pretty straightforward: you write a letter explaining why you are qualified for the EB-1A green card. In this section of your application, you should include evidence to back up your claim that you are highly skilled and educated and that being allowed to live permanently in the US will benefit American society as a whole. Your resume or CV is a good place to start when considering what evidence to include with your application.

Another piece of advice for writing this section is making sure that each item on your list of qualifications is explicitly stated—it shouldn’t be assumed by either yourself or anyone else reading it that just because something isn’t mentioned doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist! This can be particularly tricky when talking about work experience; if someone hasn’t heard of some job title through popular culture before (such as “Data Scientist”), then they might not know what exactly it entails until further explanation comes along later down in this section where those details belong (more on this later).

Step 3: Submit petitions for the USCIS green card process

Filing Fees: The USCIS charges for filing form I-140 is $700 ($715 from April 2024) and $2,805 for premium processing. You can file your application online. This PDF from USCIS has the detailed rate card for all the services provided by the federal authority. The total cost for an employment-based green card (I-485, I-140, I-765, I-131) after the April 2024 fee revision stands at $3045 from the previous $1925.
If USCIS asks for more information: If the USCIS sends you a request for more information or documents, you will have 30 days to respond. You can also ask for an extension on this deadline, if needed. Please note that any delays in responding to this request may result in a delay in processing your case by the USCIS.
How long it takes before getting a response from the USCIS: It normally takes four months from when your file has been submitted until you get an approval or denial from the immigration office. However, delays are possible due to changes in government policy and other factors outside of your control (e.g., holidays or weekends). If after six months there is no decision made on your application, you can contact any immigration attorney to check why no decision has been made yet!

Processing times for an EB-1A visa

The processing times for an EB-1A visa, also known as the extraordinary ability green card, can vary depending on the individual’s circumstances. This employment-based visa requires the filing of an EB-1A petition using USCIS form I-140, and does not require a labor certification. To qualify, an individual must demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim and outstanding achievement in their field. This can be evidenced through criteria such as commercial success in the performing arts, authorship of scholarly articles, membership in associations, or receiving nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards. The individual must meet at least 3 of these criteria and must also show major significance in their field, as judged by others in the same field. The individual must also be a self-petitioner and their work must have had a significantly high impact, akin to receiving a nobel prize. Meeting these requirements is crucial for the successful processing of an EB-1A visa.

If you are applying for an EB-1A visa, get help from us

If you are applying for an EB-1A green card, it is better to get help from us. EB-1A is one of the most difficult categories to get, and will require a lot of evidence and money. It is also very complex and time consuming. If you go to a lawyer in the US, they will charge you upwards of $7000. However, we charge you a lot less, and still get the job done. Given the opportunity for self-petition, immigration authorities prioritize a compelling presentation of your exceptional talent and experience over quoting legalities. Our skilled team of writers and journalists, with a 100% success rate, excels in crafting persuasive narratives for green card applications. We recommend seeking legal advice first to check if you qualify before engaging our services for expert application writing. Contact us now.

Conclusion: Green card application to demonstrate extraordinary ability

Now you know how to secure an EB-1A visa for extraordinary ability in the sciences, athletics, and more. This quick guide to EB-1A green card eligibility should be helpful in your efforts to obtain a green card based on extraordinary ability. As you can see, there are many steps involved, but with hard work and good preparation, it’s possible to get the EB-1A visa that you want!