EB-1A Extraordinary Ability Green Card
The fastest U.S. immigration path for the world’s most accomplished professionals—no employer sponsor, no labor certification required.
What Is the EB-1A Visa?
The EB-1A is the pinnacle of U.S. employment-based immigration, reserved for individuals who have risen to the very top of their field and can demonstrate extraordinary ability through sustained national or international acclaim. Unlike most green card categories, the EB-1A requires no employer sponsor, no job offer, and no labor market test. Strasser Asatrian LLC has successfully obtained EB-1A approvals for clients across dozens of countries and fields—including cases that had previously been denied elsewhere.
You file a self-petition on your own behalf, and for most nationalities there is essentially no wait for a priority date—meaning the EB-1A is frequently the fastest available path to a green card for highly accomplished professionals. Compare the EB-1A with other business immigration options to determine which fits your situation.
Who Qualifies?
To qualify, you must demonstrate extraordinary ability through either a single major international award (Nobel Prize, Oscar, Grammy, Olympic medal) or evidence of at least three of the following ten regulatory criteria:
Nationally or internationally recognized prizes for excellence in your field.
Membership in associations requiring outstanding achievements judged by recognized experts.
Published articles about you and your work in professional or major trade publications.
Participation as a judge of others’ work—peer review, grant panels, dissertation committees.
Original scientific, scholarly, artistic, or business contributions of major significance to the field.
Authorship of scholarly articles in professional or major trade publications.
Display of your work at artistic exhibitions or showcases (primarily visual arts).
A leading or critical role in distinguished organizations or establishments.
A high salary or other significantly high remuneration in relation to others in your field.
Commercial successes in the performing arts shown by box office receipts or records sold.
EB-1A vs. EB-2 National Interest Waiver
Both allow self-petitioning without an employer sponsor. Key differences:
| Factor | EB-1A | EB-2 NIW |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Extraordinary ability (top of field) | Exceptional ability + national interest |
| Degree required | No | Advanced degree or equivalent |
| Employer sponsor | Not required | Not required (waived) |
| Priority | 1st preference (fastest) | 2nd preference |
| India/China wait | Often current | Can be years behind |
The Petition Process
1. Case Assessment & Evidence Building
Every successful EB-1A petition starts with a rigorous audit of your credentials against the ten criteria. Harry Asatrian personally reviews each client’s CV, publications, citations, salary data, press coverage, and professional roles before making a recommendation. We only take on cases we believe can win.
2. Petition Drafting (Form I-140)
The I-140 is accompanied by a detailed support letter—often 30–60 pages or more—that walks USCIS officers through each criterion with specific documented evidence. The quality of this letter is the single biggest determinant of success.
3. Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing
Once the I-140 is approved, you file the I-485 adjustment of status (if in the U.S.) or undergo consular processing at a U.S. embassy abroad, along with work authorization (EAD) and travel documents (Advance Parole).
Not Sure If You Qualify for EB-1A? Harry Asatrian personally evaluates every case. Get an honest, no-obligation assessment of your record against the ten criteria.
Schedule EB-1A ReviewCommon Mistakes to Avoid
- Filing before you’re ready: A denial sets your timeline back. If your record is borderline, spend 6–12 months building additional evidence first.
- Weak expert letters: Generic praise carries little weight. USCIS wants letters from independent experts who explain specifically how your contributions rise above the norm.
- Ignoring the totality standard: Meeting three criteria technically is not enough if the overall picture doesn’t show someone at the very top.
- Overstating credentials: If your support letter makes claims the evidence doesn’t support, the officer will discount everything, including your stronger evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need a Nobel Prize to qualify?
- No. The Nobel Prize is just one path. The vast majority of approved EB-1A petitioners qualify under the ten-criteria framework. We have obtained approvals for clients whose records would not have initially suggested EB-1A eligibility.
- Can I apply if I’m on an H-1B or O-1?
- Yes. Your current status does not affect eligibility to self-petition. Many clients continue working in H-1B status while their green card petition is pending.
- How long does EB-1A take?
- The I-140 takes 6–12 months in regular processing, or 15 business days with premium processing. Adjustment of status adds another 12–18 months on average.
- What fields qualify for EB-1A?
- Sciences, arts, education, business, and athletics. We have obtained approvals for software engineers, physicians, researchers, financial executives, architects, visual artists, musicians, and professional athletes.
Ready to Evaluate Your EB-1A Case?
Harry Asatrian will personally review your credentials and give you an honest assessment of your chances. No obligation.
Schedule EB-1A ConsultationOr call us directly: (973) 735-2716