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The EB-1 visa is an employment-based immigrant visa—also known as a green card category—for individuals with extraordinary abilities, outstanding achievements, or executive-level positions. It’s a first-preference category, meaning it has top priority in processing and usually no backlog for most applicants.
This visa leads directly to permanent residency (green card) in the United States.
Evidence of top-tier achievements or qualifications depending on the category
In EB-1B and EB-1C, a U.S. employer must sponsor the petition
Must show intent to work in the same field upon entering the U.S.
There are three subcategories:
For people at the very top of their field in science, art, education, business, or athletics.
Must show sustained national or international acclaim.
No job offer required; can self-petition.
Examples: Nobel Prize winners, Olympic athletes, world-renowned researchers, internationally recognized artists or executives.
Must be internationally recognized in their academic field.
Must have at least 3 years of teaching or research experience.
Must have a permanent job offer from a U.S. university or research institution.
Must have worked as a manager or executive for a company abroad for at least 1 year in the past 3 years.
Must be transferred to a U.S. branch or affiliate in a similar position.
Company must have a qualifying relationship between the foreign and U.S. entities.
EB-1 visas are fast-tracked relative to other green card categories.
Many applicants are eligible for premium processing, with decisions in 15 days.
Spouse and unmarried children under 21 can apply for green cards as derivative beneficiaries.
Spouse may work; children can study.
No labor certification required (PERM)
Self-petition available in EB-1A
High priority in processing queues
Direct path to a green card
Your achievements or qualifications aren’t extraordinary or internationally recognized
You cannot prove sustained acclaim, or lack documentation
You're not moving into a similar executive or professional role (EB-1B/C)