EB-1A Extraordinary Ability
The First-preference EB-1a Visa is an Immigrant Visa (green card) granted to professionals with Extraordinary Abilities without sponsorship from a U.S. employer.
This classification is for people who are recognized as being one of the best in their field: the individuals who are able to demonstrate Extraordinary Ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics can obtain an EB-1 Immigrant Visa, which is equivalent to the green card.
First Prong- Meeting The Criteria
To meet the Extraordinary Ability requirement, the Petitioner will first have to demonstrate his or her achievement in his or her specialty through extensive documentation and proofs of recognition.
One will have to demonstrate that he or she has received a major internationally recognized award, similar to a Nobel Prize or that he or she meets at least three of the following requirements:
- Be awarded with any lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in the field of endeavor
- Be a member of associations that require outstanding achievements of their members as judged by recognized national or international experts
- Material published in professional or major trade publications or major media about the Petitioner which relates to his or her work in the field
- Participation on a panel or individually as a judge of the work of others in the same or in an allied field of specialization
- Original scientific, scholarly or business contributions that are of major significance
- Author scholarly articles in professional journals or other major media
- Display of the Petitioner’s work at artistic exhibitions or showcases
- Played a leading or critical role for an organization with a distinguished reputation
- High salary or other remuneration for one’s services in comparison to others in one’s field
- Commercial successes in the performing arts
Second Prong- Final Merits Determination
In addition to evaluating by a preponderance of the evidence whether the foreign national meets at least three of the above criteria, USCIS will also evaluate the quality of the evidence submitted as part of the final merits determination. USCIS will determine whether the foreign national has a sustained national or international acclaim and whether the alien’s “achievements have been recognized in the field of his or her expertise, indicating whether the alien is one of that small percentage who has risen to the very top of the field of endeavor.
Because of the very complex nature of these cases, hiring an experienced EB1 Visa attorney is highly recommended. Our Board certified immigration attorneys Suzanne E. Vazquez and Maud Poudat have more than 30 years of combined experience in this specific area of law, and handle all types of immigration matters including EB-1 Visa applications. Our office is conveniently located in Orlando, in the heart of Central Florida. Call us today at 407.674.6968 or fill out the online form located on this page and we will contact you shortly.