A Complete Guide on How to Successfully Transition from an EB1A Visa to a Green Card
- Brandosaur
- April 29, 2025
- 7:07 am
Moving from an EB1A visa to a green card is one of the fastest pathways to permanent residency in the U.S. The EB1A is a first-preference employment-based immigrant visa that is designed for individuals who have extraordinary ability and recognized national or international achievements in science, arts, education, business, or athletics. According to a USCIS report, 1M+ green cards were issued through the EB1A visa in 2024 due to its priority classification.
Let’s learn what the EB1A visa is, its eligibility requirements, processing times, EB1A to green card process, from the initial petition to the final approval, in this guide that makes your EB1A green card journey as smooth as possible.
What is the EB1A Visa, and Who Qualifies?
The EB1A visa is an immigrant visa for a person who has extraordinary ability or recognized achievements in their field. This kinda visa does not require a job offer or employer sponsorship, which allows applicants to self-petition for their green card. In simple words, if you meet the defined criteria, you can apply on your own merits.
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Key Requirements for EB1A Visa:
You need to fulfill the following requirements to be a qualified EB1A candidate:
- You should have extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. Extraordinary ability means you should be among the individuals who are very top of your field.
- You should have recognized national or international awards, press, or other accolades that showcase your achievements in your field.
- You should have a plan to work in the U.S. in the same field of expertise in which you have extraordinary ability.
- You do not need a U.S. job offer or labor certification because EB1A is a self-petitioning category, which means no employer sponsorship is required.
EB1A Eligibility Criteria for Extraordinary Ability
Applicants must show either a one-time major achievement (such as a Nobel Prize) or meet at least 3 out of 10 USCIS-specified criteria:
- Lesser Awards: Nationally or internationally recognized awards for excellence
- Memberships: Associations demanding outstanding achievement
- Published Material: Professional publications or mainstream media coverage
- Judging: Service as a judge of peers’ work
- Original Contributions: Major contributions to the field
- Scholarly Articles: Authored articles in professional journals
- Artistic Exhibitions: Display of work at exhibitions or showcases
- Leading/Critical Role: Leadership in distinguished organizations
- High Salary: Evidence of high salary compared to peers
- Commercial Success: Critical or commercial success in the performing arts
If your achievements don’t precisely fit these categories, USCIS allows submission of comparable evidence.
Pro Tip: You should start by building a strong EB1A profile and employing public relations strategies because it can elevate your visibility within your field.
EB1A to Green Card Process
The journey from EB1A visa approval to receiving a green card involves a multi-step process:
Step 1: File Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker)
Submit Form I-140 to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), including:
The first step is to file Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for yourself (Alien Worker), with USCIS, which classifies you as an EB1A immigrant. In this petition, no employer sponsor is required, but you will include all the supporting documentation for evidence of your extraordinary ability or recognized achievements (such as reference letters, award certificates, publications, media articles, etc.). When you file the I-140, make sure to:
- Complete the Form I-140 accurately according to USCIS instructions and include the correct filing fee, as the general filing fee for Form I-140 is $715.
- Attach an organized evidence packet with an index and tabbed exhibits, because a well-presented petition can make it easier for the officer to review your accomplishments, that proves you meet at least 3 criteria or have a one-time major award.
- Include a petition letter written by your attorney or yourself that summarizes your achievements and how they fulfill the EB1A criteria, along with the narrative of why you merit the extraordinary ability classification.
After you submit the I-140 petition, USCIS will issue a receipt notice and later a decision.
Tip: Keep a copy of everything you submit for your records.
Step 2: Wait for Petition Approval (Consider Premium Processing)
Once your I-140 petition is filed, you will need to wait for USCIS to process and approve it. According to the USCIS, the average processing time for an EB-1A petition is around 7.6 to 8 months in 2025. You can also opt for premium processing service by filing Form I-907 and paying an additional fee of $2,500. By doing this, USCIS will speed up the I-140 decision to 15 calendar days.
Step 3: File for Green Card (Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing)
After the I-140 petition is approved, the next step is to apply for the actual green card. There are two pathways to do this:
- Adjustment of Status (AOS): If you are already living in the U.S. with a valid status, you can file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, with USCIS to adjust from your current nonimmigrant status to permanent resident.
- Consular Processing: You will go through consular processing if you are outside the U.S. or prefer to get your immigrant visa abroad. After I-140 approval, your case is forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC), and you’ll file a DS-260 immigrant visa application. Once your case is ready, it will be sent to the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country for an immigrant visa interview.
Step 4: Attend Biometrics and Interview
Whether you are adjusting status or doing consular processing, there are a few final steps before approval:
- Biometrics: After filing the I-485 (for AOS), USCIS will schedule a biometrics appointment at a local Application Support Center. This is a short appointment where they take your fingerprints, photograph, and signature for background checks. On the other hand, consular applicants will have biometrics taken as part of their visa application process as well, usually at the interview or a prior appointment.
Interview Scheduling: USCIS may schedule you for an in-person green card interview at a local field office if you are adjusting status. During the interview, an officer may review your eligibility and ask questions about your accomplishments, job plans to verify your qualifications, and intent to work in your field. For consular processing, an interview at the U.S. embassy/consulate is always required. The consular officer will verify your eligibility and review your documents. Be prepared to discuss highlights of your career and future plans in the U.S. The interview for EB1A often focuses on confirming the information in your petition rather than technical grilling. But you should be ready to confidently explain your extraordinary achievements if asked.
Step 5: Approval and Receive Your Green Card
If all goes well in the steps above, the final step is approval of your green card:
- For Adjustment of Status (AOS) applicants: If USCIS approves your I-485, you will be granted lawful permanent resident status. You should receive an approval notice, and a physical green card (Permanent Resident Card) will be mailed to you shortly after. This card is proof of your status as a lawful permanent resident (initial cards are valid for 10 years and renewable).
For Consular Processing applicants: If your immigrant visa is approved at the interview, the consulate will place an immigrant visa stamp in your passport. You must enter the United States before the visa expires (usually within 6 months). Upon entry, you become a U.S. permanent resident. Your green card will be mailed to the U.S. address you provide, typically within a few weeks of entry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No, the EB1A visa and green card are distinct from each other, but they are connected. The EB1A is a specific type of first-preference employment-based immigrant visa that allows qualified individuals to apply for a green card for permanent residency in the U.S.
No, you do not need a job offer for an EB1A visa because the EB1A category allows applicants to self-petition without a job offer or employer sponsorship.
It depends on whether you use premium processing and your choice between Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing. It typically takes 8–18 months to complete the EB1A to Green Card process.
