Highlights: What is the eligibility for an EB-1A Visa?
- Talented foreign nationals with exceptional knowledge and skills across several fields can apply for an EB-1A visa.
- EB-1A visa provides an employment-based pathway to acquire the US Green Card.
- The main eligibility requirement for an EB-1A visa is proving your extraordinary skills and knowledge.
- Applicants must meet at least 3 out of 10 requirements for an EB-1A visa specified by the USCIS.
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The US EB-1A Visa
The EB-1A visa program offers an easy pathway for foreign nationals to get a US Green Card and pursue their American Dream. Individuals with extraordinary skills across diverse fields like science, arts, business, education, or athletics can apply for the EB-1A visa, which is also referred to as the "extraordinary ability visa."
The main requirement for being eligible for this visa is to prove your professional skills and in-depth knowledge in your respective field. The USCIS has listed 10-point eligibility criteria to assess the eligibility of applicants for the EB-1A visa. Applicants must meet at least three requirements to be eligible for the visa.
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Eligibility for EB-1A Visa
According to the USCIS requirements, you would be eligible for the EB-1A visa if you:
- Are a member of exclusive professional societies such as the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) to ensure your exceptional skills and knowledge in your field
- Have been awarded with a prestigious award, such as the Nobel Prize or Pulitzer Prize at the national or international level, or have received recognition by significant organizations or media coverage
- Have made significant contributions to your field or profession by conducting innovative research and coming up with patents or inventions
- Published or authored books or research articles in your field of interest
- Hold prestigious ranks or positions in selection panels or juries, demonstrating your ability to be an authoritative figure
- Earn a high salary which is evidently more than the standard salary figures offered in your field
- Have proof that you have showcased your work at notable places and have been recognized by prominent people or institutes
- Hold a respectable position in a well-recognized organization relevant to your field
- Have acquired Letters of Recommendation (LORs) from the industry giants in your field.
- Have other verifiable proof demonstrating your skills, experience, and contribution towards your field
Benefits of EB-1A visa
EB-1A visa applicants can avail of the following benefits:
- No job offer or sponsorship required
- Faster processing times
- Waiting time is less than EB-2 and EB-3 visa categories
- No requirement for PERM labor certification
- Spouses and unmarried children less than 21 years of age can also get US Green Cards as dependents
How to Apply for EB-1A visa
The initial step to apply for the EB-1A visa is filing for I-140 and supporting documents demonstrating your abilities. Onshore applicants have to wait for a few months for their status application (Form I-485) to be adjusted. The average processing times can be up to a few months.
Offshore applications are sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing. The NVC forwards the application to the nearest Consulate or Embassy to set up an in-person interview with the applicant. Applicants must provide proof of funds to show that they can support their family and themselves in the US.
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