Alien of Extraordinary Ability Green Card (EB-1A): Complete Overview in 2025

The Alien of Extraordinary Ability Green Card (EB-1A) is a U.S. permanent residency option for foreign nationals who are at the very top of their field. If you have exceptional achievements in science, arts, education, business, or athletics, you may qualify for this extraordinary ability green card.

USCIS defines extraordinary ability as expertise that places you among one of the small percentage at the very top of your field. Unlike many work-based visas, the EB-1A does not require a job offer or labor certification; you can self-petition for this visa, meaning you apply on your own behalf. In practice, this makes the EB-1A an attractive, fast-track green card route for exceptionally accomplished individuals.

Eligibility & Criteria for Extraordinary Ability

To qualify for the EB-1A extraordinary ability green card, you must demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim. USCIS requires either: (a) evidence of a one-time major achievement (for example, a Nobel Prize, Oscar, Olympic medal) or (b) evidence satisfying at least 3 of 10 criteria specified by USCIS. These criteria include:

• Prestigious awards or prizes: Lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes for excellence. For instance, receiving a well-known award (e.g., a Pulitzer, Academy Award, or Fields Medal) is a strong indicator of extraordinary ability.
• Memberships in elite associations: Participation in groups that require outstanding achievements of their members.
• Published material: Articles about you or your work in major media or professional journals.
• Judging or peer review roles: Being asked to judge or evaluate others’ work in your field.
• Original contributions: Significant original contributions of major significance to your field.
• Scholarly articles: Authorship of scholarly works in respected journals or media.
• Artistic exhibitions: Display of work at significant exhibitions or showcases (for artists).
• Leadership roles: A leading or critical role in distinguished organizations.
• High salary: Receiving a salary or remuneration significantly above peers.
• Commercial success: Notable success in the performing arts or analogous fields.

Each piece of evidence should be well-documented. For example, media articles about you, official award certificates, or published research can all serve as supporting documentation. If the ten criteria do not neatly fit your occupation, USCIS allows comparable evidence.

All your evidence, taken together, must show you truly are one of the top people in your domain. USCIS explicitly states that qualifying for EB-1A means being one of the small percentage of individuals who have risen to the very top of your field. Successful petitioners often have multiple types of evidence: for instance, a scientist might combine proof of major awards, publications in leading journals, and patents (all under the original contributions criterion).

Examples of Extraordinary Ability (EB-1A)

Candidates for the EB-1A extraordinary ability visa often point to high-profile examples: winning a Nobel Prize or Oscar, earning an Olympic medal, obtaining a Fields or Pulitzer Prize, or similar one-time achievements. Other examples include:

• An Olympic gold medalist (extraordinary talent in athletics).
• A researcher with breakthroughs published in Nature or Science (major scholarly articles).
• A business leader who founded a globally recognized company (leading role & major contributions).
• A corporate executive commanding a salary far above peers (high salary criterion).
• A professional artist with exhibitions at major museums.
  Each of these achievements could satisfy the EB-1A criteria. USCIS guidance notes that if you have not won one of these top awards (Nobel, Oscar, Olympic medal, etc.), you can still qualify by meeting any 3 of the criteria above.

Application Process & Steps

Applying for the alien of extraordinary ability green card involves several steps:

1. Self-Petition (Form I-140)

You file Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) with USCIS for the EB-1A category. No employer sponsor is needed. The petition package must include extensive evidence (awards, publications, letters of endorsement, press articles, etc.) that meets the criteria. A well-organized petition letter that narrates your achievements and how they meet USCIS standards is highly recommended.

2. Concurrent Filing (if applicable)

If you are already in the U.S. in valid status, you may file Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) to get your green card as soon as the I-140 is approved and a visa number is available. If you are outside the U.S., you will proceed through consular processing after I-140 approval. In either case, once your EB-1A petition is approved, your spouse and unmarried children (under 21) can also apply for green cards (E-14/E-15 visas).

3. Premium Processing (optional)

USCIS offers a premium processing service for EB-1A (for an extra fee) that expedites I-140 adjudication, often yielding a decision in about 15 calendar days. This can significantly shorten your wait and allows you to plan next steps more quickly.

4. USCIS Interview (if required)

In some cases, USCIS may schedule an interview at a local field office (especially if you filed I-485). Being prepared to discuss your credentials and having original documents on hand is important. (For more on this, see our EB1A Green Card Interview guide.).

Each step should be done carefully. For instance, when preparing the I-140 petition, be sure to include a clear table of contents and labeled exhibits. As one legal guide notes, complete the Form I-140 accurately and attach an organized evidence packet with an index and tabbed exhibits, as a well-presented petition makes it easier for the USCIS officer to review.

EB-1A vs. Other Extraordinary Ability Visas

It’s important to distinguish the EB-1A green card from other visas for talented individuals. The EB-1A is the only immigrant (permanent) visa specifically for extraordinary ability. In contrast, the O-1 visa is a nonimmigrant (temporary) visa for aliens with extraordinary ability or achievement. The key differences are:

1. EB-1A (Alien of Extraordinary Ability)

Grants permanent residency (green card). No job offer or employer sponsor needed (self-petition allowed). However, you must intend to continue work in your field in the U.S. Benefits future U.S. interests. Uses the standard of extraordinary ability.

2. O-1 (Extraordinary Ability Nonimmigrant)

Does not grant permanent residency. Requires a U.S. employer or agent to petition on your behalf. Valid initially for up to three years (renewable). It has a similar evidence standard but is a dual-intent visa that must be maintained or extended. The O-1 can be a stepping stone to EB-1A, but unlike the EB-1A, it is temporary. For more on this transition, see EB1A vs O-1: Benefits and O-1 to Green Card.

3. EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW)

Another self-petition green card for those with exceptional ability (a slightly lower standard than extraordinary). It requires demonstrating that your work benefits the U.S. and that waiving the job offer requirement is in the national interest. Unlike EB-1A, NIW has a degree or experience requirement and is for three fields (science, arts, business).

Below is a simplified comparison:

Citing the official stance, EB-1A cases are often processed much faster than other employment-based categories, in part because the category is typically current for visa availability. In practice, EB-1A petitioners often experience shorter wait times than EB-2 or EB-3 applicants.

Benefits of the EB-1A Extraordinary Ability Green Card

There are several advantages to the EB-1A alien of extraordinary ability green card:

1. No Labor Certification Required

Unlike many green cards, you do not need to go through the lengthy PERM labor certification process. This saves significant time.

2. Self-Petition

You can apply on your own, with no employer sponsor needed. This autonomy is unique and crucial for established professionals.

3. Priority Processing

EB-1 is the first-preference category, which means visa numbers are always current for most countries. Typically, EB-1A petitions (and any consequent I-485) have minimal visa backlog. Your priority date often becomes current immediately.

4. Immediate Green Card Potential

Because EB-1A is an immigrant visa, once approved, you (and your family) can receive green cards fairly quickly. Dependents get E-14/E-15 classification and can apply for permanent residency alongside you.

Building a Strong EB-1A Case and Common Pitfalls

Crafting a successful EB-1A petition is about storytelling through evidence. Some key tips:

1. Develop a Strong EB1A Profile

Begin curating achievements years in advance. Publications, patents, awards, press releases, and speaking engagements all build your profile. For example, securing high-profile publications or lectures abroad can strengthen your case. (Brandosaur’s guide on EB1A Profile Building offers detailed strategies.)

2. Leverage Public Relations

Gaining media coverage in reputable outlets can provide published material about you, one of USCIS’s criteria. Proactively engaging with industry media, conferences, and awards can raise your profile as someone with exceptional talent. (See our piece on Public Relations Strategies for EB1A for tips.)

3. Obtain Expert Letters

Strong reference letters from recognized experts in your field are essential. They should explain your contributions in context of the field and explicitly connect your work to USCIS criteria.

4. Be Precise and Organized

Avoid vague claims. Provide evidence clearly indexed to criteria. Use tables or charts to summarize publications, citations, patents, etc., in the petition letter.

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t assume all evidence is obviously impressive. Explain its significance. Ensure translations of any foreign language documents. Avoid over-relying on generic letters or irrelevant documents. Overloading the file with repetitive or low-quality evidence can dilute your strongest points. (For more pitfalls, see Brandosaur’s EB1A Common Mistakes.).

Key Statistics & Trends

The EB-1A category has seen increasing demand. According to USCIS data, EB-1 petitions surged in recent years as processing of other categories (like EB-2 and EB-3) slowed. As one statistics update notes, EB-1A is among the first-preference visas that are currently not subject to retrogression, meaning no waiting list for most applicants.

However, it’s important to set realistic expectations. The overall green card approval rate in the U.S. is quite low. In FY 2023, only about 3.8% of all green card applicants were approved, and it’s projected that in FY 2024, only 3% will receive approval. For employment-based green cards in particular, roughly 8% of the 1.8M pending applications were expected to be approved in FY 2024. These figures reflect broad immigration caps and backlogs. Fortunately, EB-1A applicants often face a much smaller queue because the category is current.

To illustrate: in 2022, the U.S. issued 1M+ green cards in total. About 44% of new green cards were for people adjusting status from within the U.S., and 56% were for new arrivals. The EB-1A share of that number is a fraction, but every approved EB-1A petition results directly in an immigrant visa number being used. In short, while the general odds of winning the green card lottery are very low, EB-1A approval relies on meeting clear criteria, so strong candidates with solid evidence can succeed at a much higher rate than those in other categories. At top law firms, EB-1A petitions often achieve approval rates well above 50% when well-prepared.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How to get an extraordinary ability green card?

Ans: To get an extraordinary ability green card (EB-1A), you must compile and file an I-140 petition demonstrating extraordinary ability. This involves gathering strong evidence as per USCIS criteria, then filing Form I-140 with USCIS for EB-1A. If you are in the U.S., you can concurrently file Form I-485 to adjust status once the I-140 is approved. If abroad, you will go through consular processing for an immigrant visa. The key is to self-petition with a well-documented portfolio of evidence; no employer sponsor is required. After approval, you and eligible family members will become lawful permanent residents.

Q2: How do you prove extraordinary ability?

Ans: You prove extraordinary ability by submitting evidence meeting USCIS’s criteria. Specifically, either show you’ve won a major award (like Nobel, Oscar, Olympic medal) or provide documentation for at least 3 of the 10 criteria listed by USCIS. Each piece of evidence must be well-documented. USCIS will evaluate all evidence together to confirm you truly have sustained acclaim.

Q3: What qualifies as extraordinary ability?

Ans: US law defines extraordinary ability as expertise indicating you are among the very top (a small percentage) of your field. Qualifying abilities come from fields like science, art, education, business, or athletics. To qualify, you need a record of significant achievements and recognition. For example, Nobel Prizes, international awards, leading roles at major organizations, or groundbreaking contributions to research qualify. The USCIS criteria we listed above outline the evidence that typically qualifies.

Q4: What is the alien with extraordinary ability visa?

Ans: The alien with extraordinary ability visa refers to the EB-1A immigrant visa. It is a first-preference employment-based visa that grants immediate U.S. permanent residency to approved applicants. There is also a nonimmigrant O-1 visa for extraordinary ability, but that is temporary. The EB-1A is the specific green card path.

Q5: What are extraordinary abilities?

Ans: Extraordinary abilities refer to skills and achievements far beyond those of the average professional in a field. They are demonstrated through evidence of top-tier success. Examples include major awards (e.g. Oscars or Nobel Prizes), having influential patents, publishing high-impact research, leading renowned companies or ensembles, or commanding top salaries. USCIS expects a record of internationally or nationally recognized achievements.

Q6: What is the visa for people with extraordinary abilities?

Ans: For permanent status, the EB-1A is the visa category specifically for aliens of extraordinary ability. It leads directly to a green card. There is also the O-1 visa for people with extraordinary ability, but that is a temporary work visa, not a green card.

Q7: Which state is faster to get a green card?

Ans: U.S. immigration processes are federal, not state-run, so no particular U.S. state is inherently faster for green cards. Green card petitions are processed by USCIS service centers and consulates nationwide. Processing times depend on visa category and USCIS office workload, not on state residency.

Q8: What percent of green cards are approved?

Ans: Overall green card approval rates are very low. According to immigration data, in FY 2023 only about 3.8% of all applicants were approved, and in 2024 roughly 3% will be approved, meaning 97% of applicants will not get a green card that year. For employment-based green cards specifically, only about 8% of the pending EB applications were expected to be approved in 2024. These low percentages reflect quota limits and backlogs across all categories.