Employment-based immigration
EB-1A Visa Guide: Eligibility, Costs & Timeline 2025
In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about the EB1A visa, including its requirements, tips for enhancing your chances of approval, processing times, and associated costs.
By:
Haley Davidson
Haley Davidson is a contributing writer and content strategist for Manifest Law, covering all topics related to U.S. visas and green cards. She's passionate about making complex topics easy to understand, like immigration law.
Reviewer:
Henry Lindpere
Henry Lindpere is an experienced immigration lawyer serving primarily STEM professionals, entrepreneurs, and high-achieving individuals.
12 min read • Updated on July 18, 2025
Key Takeaways
The EB-1A is a self-petition green card for individuals with extraordinary ability in science, business, the arts, athletics, or education.
The EB1-A visa allows for self petition—it doesn't require a job offer or employer sponsorship.
You must meet at least 3 of 10 USCIS criteria and prove sustained national or international acclaim in your field.
Total costs typically range from $10,000 to $20,000, including legal and USCIS filing fees, with premium processing available for faster review.
If you’ve achieved exceptional success in your field and are looking to live and work in the United States permanently, the EB-1A visa may be your best path forward. Known as the “extraordinary ability” green card, this visa is designed for individuals at the top of their professions — including scientists, entrepreneurs, artists, educators, and athletes — who can demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim.
Unlike most employment-based green cards, the EB-1A does not require a job offer or employer sponsorship. You can self-petition based on your own achievements, making it one of the most flexible and powerful immigration options available to top performers.
The EB-1A is a green card for individuals with extraordinary ability — people who are recognized as leaders in their field, whether that’s science, business, education, the arts, or athletics. It’s part of the broader EB-1 visa category.
What sets the EB-1A apart is that you don’t need a job offer or employer sponsorship to apply. You can self-petition—meaning the strength of your application comes directly from your own accomplishments, not your company’s.
To qualify, you’ll need to show that your work has received national or international acclaim and that you’ve reached a level of success that puts you at the top of your field. The U.S. immigration system uses a set of ten criteria (which we’ll dive into shortly) to evaluate EB-1A applicants. To qualify for this green card, you’ll need to meet at least three of the criteria.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) set a high bar, but for those who qualify, the EB-1A offers one of the fastest, most flexible ways to become a permanent resident of the United States.
🤔 Comparing EB-1A vs. EB-1B vs. EB-1C: The EB-1A is for individuals with extraordinary ability, the EB-1B is for outstanding professors and researchers with a permanent job offer, and the EB-1C is for multinational executives or managers transferring to a U.S. company. If you’re deciding between the three, an experienced immigration attorney can help you choose the right path.
Flexibility: You can self-petition for an EB-1A visa, meaning you don’t need to rely on an employer to sponsor you. You can apply based solely on your individual achievements and extraordinary abilities.
Faster Processing Times: The EB-1A falls under the “Employment-Based First Preference” category, which receives priority over other visa categories. This often results in quicker processing times for both the visa and green card applications.
Green Card: The EB-1A is an immigrant visa that provides a pathway to permanent residency. Once your EB-1A petition is approved, you can apply for a 10-year green card in the U.S.
Dependents: Your immediate family—spouse and children under 21—can also benefit from the EB-1A visa. They can apply for green cards with you or join you in the U.S. later based on your EB-1A approval.
Employment Freedom: As an EB-1A beneficiary, you have the flexibility to work for any employer in the U.S., or even be self-employed, without being tied to a specific job.
Simplified Process: Unlike many employment-based visas, the EB1A does not require a labor certification, simplifying the application process and reducing paperwork and time.
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You've received major awards or prizes in your field: Even if they're not internationally recognized awards, these should provide evidence of excellence recognized by peers or institutions.
You're a member of exclusive professional associations: These organizations must only admit top-level talent—membership should require outstanding achievements or expert evaluation.
Major media outlets have covered your work: Articles, interviews, or features about you in professional publications or major outlets count, especially if they highlight your impact or leadership.
You've served as a judge or evaluator for the work of others: That includes peer review, grant review panels, judging competitions, or other roles where your opinion carries weight in your field.
You’ve made original contributions with major significance: This includes inventions, discoveries, methods, or ideas that have shifted thinking or practice in your field of expertise.
You’ve published your own work in respected outlets: This encompasses the authorship of scholarly articles, op-eds, or pieces in major media outlets that demonstrate your thought leadership and influence.
Your work has been showcased publicly: Includes artistic exhibitions, performances, or displays that reflect critical acclaim or recognition.
You’ve held a leading or critical role in major organizations: Evidence that you were central to high-impact work, whether in research, business, academia, or the arts.
You earn significantly more than others in your field: Think contracts, pay stubs, or industry data showing you have a high salary compared to your peers.
You've had commercial success in the performing arts: Sales figures, box office receipts, streaming metrics—anything that shows your work has real-world reach and impact counts towards this criteria.
Manifest Tip: To support your EB1A application, you will eventually gather recommendation letters from experts who can vouch for your achievements and skills. Often applicants aim to obtain 5-10 recommendation letters from coworkers, colleagues or other professional connections.
Not sure if you’re eligible for EB-1A?
Take our eligibility quiz to find out if you meet the criteria for the EB-1A visa.
According to USCIS data from Fiscal Year 2024, the EB-1A visa had an approval rate of around 60%.
Keep in mind: The EB-1A is still a great option for highly accomplished professionals, but it's no longer the slam dunk it once was. Make sure your petition is airtight from the start—and consider working with an experienced EB-1A lawyer to ensure you have an airtight case.
Item
I-140 Filing (USCIS)
Asylum Program Fee
Premium Processing (optional)
Adjustment of Status (I-485)
Work Permit (I-765)
Travel Document (I-131)
Attorney Fees
Fee
$715
$300 (self-petitioners)
$2,805
$1,440 (age 14+), $950 (under 14)
$260
$630
$5,000–$12,000+
💡 If you're planning to file for a green card while already in the U.S., make sure to factor in Adjustment of Status costs for you and your dependents. Want to file faster? Concurrent filing may be an option.
Work with an immigration lawyer to get started on your case today
Phase
Case Building
Case Preparation
USCIS Review
What It Is
Gathering evidence, awards, letters, citations, and more.
Writing your petition, legal strategy, and final review.
Waiting for a decision after filing.
Timeline
6-18 months
2-4 months
6-12 months or 15 business days with premium processing, for an additional fee of $2,805.
Evidence Needed
Substitute Scholarly Articles with Conference Presentations
Equity as a Stand-In for High Salary
Using Open-Source Contributions as Evidence
Alternative Proof
If publishing scholarly articles doesn’t fit your profession, you can substitute this with presentations at major conferences or trade shows.
For example, if you work in industry rather than academia, showing that you’ve presented your work at a significant trade event can meet the requirement for scholarly articles.
For entrepreneurs or those in startups, documenting a high salary might not be practical. Instead, you can present evidence that the value of your equity in the company is equivalent to a high salary. This approach helps fulfill the high salary criterion with proof of significant financial stakes in your business.
If traditional criteria don’t fit, you can use open-source contributions as evidence. For instance:
GitHub code reviews for important open-source projects can count as “Judging.”
Forks and activity on repositories you contribute to can serve as examples of “Published Material.”
High star counts on your repositories can demonstrate widespread use, fulfilling the “Original Contributions” criterion.
Ownership of a popular open-source project can be seen as equivalent to “Membership in Associations.”
1. Study what USCIS is really looking for
Action step: Read the Kazarian decision closely, and look at how USCIS applies this framework in AAO (Administrative Appeals Office) case summaries. Understanding how your application will be judged helps you present your case with clarity and precision.
2. Review real-world case studies
Action step: Read real-world examples of successful EB-1A applications. Find public AAO decisions or forums where successful applicants share redacted versions of their petitions. Pay attention to how they organized evidence and drew narrative connections between their achievements and the EB-1A standards.
3. Make your evidence easy to verify
Action step: Use digital annotations—circles, arrows, underlines—to guide the officer’s eye to your name, role, or contribution. For PDFs, you can use tools like Adobe Acrobat or PDF Expert to add these visual cues directly.
Not sure if you’re eligible for EB-1A?
Complete our free EB-1A quiz to see if you’re qualified for an EB-1A visa.
4. Think beyond traditional documentation
Action step: Collect and format these informal items professionally. Include context, such as the sender’s title or the event’s relevance.
5. Use U.S. national interest framing strategically
Action step: If your research or work aligns with any of the CET focus areas (like biotechnology, AI, or advanced materials), reference this in your personal statement or attorney cover letter. Include a citation or brief quote from the NSTC document to make the connection explicit.
6. Build a cohesive story across all your evidence
Action step: Use a short personal statement to frame your application. Explain how your work has evolved, what your contributions have been, and how they fit into larger societal or industry goals. This statement doesn’t replace evidence, but it helps make sense of it.
7. Work with a reputable immigration law firm
Action step: Choose a law firm with a strong EB-1A track record in your field. Ask about their approval rates, who exactly will be handling your case, and whether they’ve worked with professionals in your industry. A good firm will help you shape a winning strategy—not just file paperwork.
Work with an immigration lawyer to get started on your case today
You might wonder if you can handle the EB-1A visa application on your own. While it’s possible, keep in mind that the process is lengthy and complicated. Doing it yourself means you’ll need to manage most of the work and might struggle with aspects specific to your field. You might also find it challenging to get the detailed, personalized attention that an immigration lawyer can provide.
Working with an experienced immigration lawyer can offer you reassurance and a higher chance of success. At Manifest Law, we’re dedicated to supporting you every step of the way and making sure your EB-1A application is as strong as possible.
Our team of immigration lawyers have over 10 years of experience on average, and we offer flexible payment plans of up to 6 months. Plus, we provide a visa-approved or money-back guarantee (terms apply).
Reach out to us today for a consultation to learn more.
Not sure if you’re eligible for EB-1A?
Complete our complimentary EB-1A quiz to see if you're qualified!
What’s the difference between the EB-1A and EB-2 NIW?
Both are self-petition green cards, but they serve different profiles. The EB-1A is for individuals with extraordinary ability and a track record of top-level recognition, while the EB-2 NIW is for professionals whose work benefits the U.S. national interest. The EB-1A has a higher bar but often moves faster; the EB-2 NIW is more flexible and ideal for researchers, policy experts, and mission-driven professionals.
Can I apply for both the EB-1A and EB-2 NIW green cards?
Yes, and for many people, applying for both is the smartest move. The EB-1A and EB-2 NIW are separate green card categories with different eligibility standards, and filing them in parallel can protect your timeline and improve your chances of success.
If you qualify for both, you’re allowed to submit two I-140 petitions — one for EB-1A and one for EB-2 NIW. This approach, often called “stacking”, helps you lock in multiple options. If one category becomes unavailable or retrogressed (especially common for India or China), the other can keep your case moving forward.
🧠 Strategy tip: Filing both can buy you valuable time. You might file the EB-2 NIW now to lock in a priority date, while building toward a stronger EB-1A case later.
If I have an O-1 visa, am I eligible for the EB-1A?
Yes, many people on the O-1 are strong candidates for the EB-1A green card. Both the O-1 visa and the EB-1A require extraordinary ability, but the EB-1A has a higher standard and looks for a longer track record of national or international impact.
If you’ve had sustained media coverage, judged others’ work, received major awards, or made significant contributions in your field, you may already be close. An immigration lawyer can help assess whether your current O-1 credentials are strong enough for a successful EB-1A petition—or what you may need to build before applying.
Do I need a Nobel Prize to qualify for the EB-1A?
No, you don’t need a Nobel Prize to qualify for an EB-1A visa. While having prestigious awards can be beneficial, the EB-1A visa is about demonstrating exceptional ability in your field through specific criteria set by USCIS. Many successful applicants do not have high-profile awards but still meet the criteria through other significant achievements and contributions in their area of expertise.
How many citations are needed for scholarly material for EB-1A?
There’s no set number of citations required for your scholarly work to qualify for the EB-1A visa. Although having more citations can strengthen your case, there are successful applications with few citations. It’s more important to show the impact and significance of your work rather than meeting a specific citation threshold.
How can I increase my chances of getting approved for the EB-1A?
To boost your chances, focus on meeting at least 3 of the 10 EB-1A criteria with solid, well-documented evidence. This could include awards, published material, or evidence of original contributions. Working with an experienced immigration lawyer can also help ensure your application is thorough and presents your achievements in the best light.
What happens if my EB-1A application is denied?
If your EB-1A application is denied, you have several options, including appealing the decision or filing a motion to reopen or reconsider. It's essential to carefully review the denial reasons and collaborate with your lawyer to address any concerns. You also have the option to refile your EB-1A case. Understanding the basis for the denial can help you strengthen your application if you choose to reapply.
Can I include my family in my EB-1A application?
Yes, you can include your spouse and unmarried children under 21 in your EB-1A visa application, but they do not get status or work authorization from the I-140 petition alone. They can apply for derivative visas to join you in the U.S. and will need to submit their own applications based on your approved EB-1A visa.
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