EB-1 Visa
Services
by Kameli Law
Your Fast-Track Path to a U.S. Green Card
The EB-1 visa is the highest-preference employment-based green card category, created for professionals who have reached the top of their field. It offers an expedited path to U.S. permanent residency for individuals with extraordinary achievements in science, business, education, the arts, or athletics.
Request an EB-1 Eligibility Evaluation
At Kameli Law, we help global leaders, innovators, and experts build strong, evidence-based EB-1 petitions that meet USCIS standards and secure lasting immigration success.Find out if you qualify for one of the fastest U.S. green card categories.
What Is the EB-1 Visa?
The EB-1 visa (Employment-Based First Preference) grants lawful permanent residency to individuals who demonstrate exceptional skill, leadership, or achievement in their profession.
Unlike most employment-based visas, EB-1 applicants generally do not need PERM labor certification, allowing for a faster process and greater flexibility.
EB-1 Visa
Categories
There are three subcategories under the EB-1 classification:
EB-1A — Individuals of Extraordinary Ability
For professionals who have achieved national or international acclaim in their field and can show their work benefits the United States.
- No job offer or employer sponsorship required (self-petition allowed).
- Must demonstrate sustained recognition and outstanding contributions.
EB-1B — Outstanding Professors and Researchers
- For academics with at least three years of teaching or research experience and an international reputation for excellence.
- Requires a permanent job offer from a qualifying U.S. employer.
EB-1C — Multinational Executives and Managers
- For senior leaders who have worked abroad in a managerial or executive role for at least one year and are transferring to a U.S. branch, subsidiary, or affiliate.
- Requires employer sponsorship by the U.S. company.
EB-1A: Extraordinary Ability
The EB-1A is one of the most sought-after immigration pathways for top performers whose expertise has made a measurable impact. This category allows exceptional individuals to self-petition and bypass both the labor certification and job offer requirements.
Advantages of EB-1A
- No employer required — complete control of your petition timeline.
- Priority dates often current, allowing faster green card approval.
- Direct path to permanent residency for top achievers in any professional discipline.
EB-1A Eligibility Criteria
You must provide evidence of sustained acclaim and demonstrate how your work benefits the United States. USCIS regulations require meeting at least 3 of the following 10 criteria (8 CFR 204.5(h)(3)):
- Receipt of nationally or internationally recognized awards
- Memberships in organizations requiring outstanding achievement
- Published material about you or your work in major media or journals
- Judging the work of others in your field
- Original contributions of major significance
- Authorship of scholarly articles
- Artistic exhibitions or showcases
- Employment in a critical or leading role for distinguished organizations
- High salary or remuneration relative to peers
- Commercial success in the performing arts
At Kameli Law, we build your petition around verified accomplishments, strong expert testimonials, and clear narratives that connect your work to U.S. national interests and industry advancement.
EB-1A Application Process
The EB-1A Extraordinary Ability process allows qualified professionals to self-petition without an employer or job offer. Kameli Law manages every stage with precision, ensuring that your petition is well-documented and strategically positioned for approval.
Eligibility and Evidence Assessment
We begin with a detailed review of your background, identifying achievements that satisfy USCIS criteria—such as awards, publications, leadership roles, and media recognition.
Our attorneys organize supporting documentation, draft persuasive recommendation letters, and structure your narrative to demonstrate extraordinary ability and U.S. national benefit.
Evidence Development
Filing Form I-140 (Self-Petition)
You file as the petitioner and beneficiary. We ensure your Form I-140 package clearly aligns with 8 CFR 204.5(h) standards and includes a concise legal brief connecting evidence to regulatory criteria.
You may request expedited review (approximately 15 days). This affects only the petition decision timeline, not overall green-card issuance.
Premium Processing (Optional)
USCIS Review and Decision
USCIS evaluates your petition under the Matter of Kazarian two-part analysis. If a Request for Evidence (RFE) is issued, we prepare a targeted, data-driven response to strengthen your case.
Once Form I-140 is approved and your priority date is current, you may apply for permanent residence through: Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) – if you are lawfully in the U.S., or Consular Processing (Form DS-260) – if you are abroad
Green Card Filing
Final Adjudication
After biometrics and any required interview, USCIS issues your green card, granting you lawful permanent resident status.
Government Filing Fees
USCIS fees are subject to frequent updates. To calculate your current total, use the official USCIS Fee Calculator. Our attorneys will help you determine which forms apply to your case and the most cost-effective strategy.
Common Mistakes & Professional Insights
- Submitting weak or repetitive documentation
- Using unspecific recommendation letters
- Mixing EB-1A criteria with EB-1B or EB-1C requirements
Our Guidance
- Prioritize quality over quantity — focused, verifiable evidence is more persuasive.
- Present objective, measurable results — citations, patents, media, or funding.
- Choose independent recommenders who can credibly assess your impact.
- Stay informed — USCIS applies increasingly high scrutiny to self-petitioners.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the EB-1 process take?
Usually 6–12 months under regular processing, or around 15 days with premium processing for Form I-140.
Can I apply without a job offer?
Yes. EB-1A applicants can fully self-petition.
Is EB-1 available for all countries?
Yes, though limited backlogs may occur for India and China.
Get Started with Kameli Law
Ready to secure your U.S. permanent residency through the EB-1 Extraordinary Ability category? Schedule a confidential consultation to begin your petition today.