EB-1A Green Card for Individuals With Extraordinary Ability
Exceptional careers deserve exceptional opportunities.
Pursue U.S. permanent residency through the EB-1A pathway, and take the next step toward your future. This visa offers substantial flexibility and independence, making it a smart choice for high-achieving professionals focused on long-term career goals.
Is the EB-1A Right for You?
What is an EB-1A Visa?
The EB-1A is an employment-based immigration pathway that allows eligible individuals to pursue U.S. permanent residency based on their professional achievements and recognition. Unlike many other employment-based green card categories, the EB-1A allows applicants to self-petition without employer sponsorship or a job offer, meaning they can skip the PERM labor certification process as well.
Who Can Apply?
The EB-1A pathway is designed for individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary ability in a wide range of professions and industries, including science, technology, business, education, medicine, athletics, and the arts. Eligible applicants must show sustained national or international acclaim and recognition for their achievements, and it must be supported by compelling evidence of their expertise and contributions to their field.
That doesn't mean you need to be a celebrity or household name to qualify. What matters is your record of achievement and the evidence supporting your recognition in your field.
How Do I Qualify?
To qualify for an EB-1A green card, applicants must "demonstrate extraordinary ability and sustained national or international acclaim." Generally, this means providing evidence that meets at least three of the following ten criteria, or demonstrating a one-time achievement through a major internationally recognized award.
1. Awards & Recognition
Nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in your field.
2. Professional Memberships
Membership in associations that require outstanding achievements, as judged by recognized experts.
3. Published Media Coverage
Articles or other published material about you and your work in professional publications, major trade publications, or other major media.
4. Judging the Work of Others
Evidence that you've evaluated the work of others in your field or a related field, such as peer reviewing research or serving on a judging panel.
5. Original Contributions
Original scientific, scholarly, artistic, athletic, or business-related contributions of major significance to your field.
6. Scholarly Authorship
Authorship of scholarly articles published in professional journals, major trade publications, or other major media.
7. Artistic Exhibitions
Evidence that your work has been displayed at artistic exhibitions or showcases.
8. Leading or Critical Roles
Evidence that you've held a leading or critical role for organizations or establishments with distinguished reputations.
9. High Salary or Compensation
Evidence that you've earned a high salary or other significantly high compensation compared to others in your field.
10. Commercial Success in Performing Arts
Evidence of commercial success in the performing arts, demonstrated through box office receipts or sales of recordings and similar media.
NOTE: Meeting three criteria is only the first step. USCIS also conducts a final merits determination, evaluating the evidence as a whole to determine whether you have sustained national or international acclaim and are among the small percentage of individuals who have risen to the very top of your field.
Applicants must also intend to continue working in their area of extraordinary ability in the United States, and their work must be expected to benefit the country.
Not sure which criteria apply to your experience? Our team can evaluate your qualifications, identify your strongest evidence, and help you understand your options for pursuing an EB-1A green card.
What Does It Cost?
Every EB-1A case begins with a comprehensive attorney consultation to assess eligibility and develop a personalized strategy.
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Consultation: $228
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Standard* EB-1A Attorney Representation: $13,800
We provide full-service support from initial evaluation through petition preparation and filing, helping extraordinary professionals pursue permanent residency in the United States.
*Note that prices may vary and increase depending upon the complexity of the case.
How We Work
Every immigration journey is different, but our commitment to a thoughtful, personalized process remains the same. Here's what working with Waypoint Immigration USA looks like, from your first consultation to petition filing.
1. Consultation
The first step is to get clarity about your case with one of our experienced attorneys. We’ll talk about your concerns, your options, and any challenges along the way, so you can make an informed decision about your next step.
2. Initiation
Welcome to onboarding! Once you’ve signed the engagement letter and processed payment, we’ll start building the foundation for your case. You’ll meet your case owners, gather documents, and we’ll begin strategy development.
3. Draft & Preparation
We customize every case, making sure to showcase your story. Your petition is only part of the puzzle; exhibits like reference letters, articles, and awards are key to this process too. You'll stay looped in every step of the way.
4. Review
Your application is almost ready to file! Before we do, we’ll give it a thorough review, dotting i’s and crossing t’s, but also ensuring that your personal mission is front and center and your submitted criterion is clear and well-supported.
5. Filing
We'll walk you through the anticipated timelines, potential challenges, and next steps specific to your case. And if additional action is needed, we can assist with RFEs, appeals, refiling, and litigation when appropriate too.
Experienced
EB-1A Immigration Attorneys
Our Commitment to You
5.0 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Google Reviews
Our immigration team has extensive experience preparing EB-1A petitions for professionals with extraordinary abilities across industries. We work with accomplished individuals to build strong, evidence-based petitions that highlight sustained national or international recognition.
Waypoint attorneys create customized applications for our clients, and provide strategic guidance on eligibility, selecting criteria, and proving the final merits of the case. We help you showcase your strengths and position your story to give you the best chance of success. And because we work exclusively with the individual, your interests are always our first priority.
Let us help you navigate the EB-1A immigration process with confidence. Contact our office today!
Our Expertise
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Attorney-Led Petition Preparation
Every case at Waypoint Immigration USA is led by an experienced immigration attorney who knows how to develop a strategy around your unique qualifications, while also anticipating potential challenges along the way. Your legal team works closely with you to develop a tailored strategy, prepare a compelling petition, and guide you through every stage of the process.
2
Customized Petition Strategy
Your case deserves more than a one-size-fits-all approach. So, we'll work closely with you to identify, organize, and strengthen the evidence that best demonstrates your extraordinary ability. From recommendation letters and supporting documentation to publications, citations, and professional achievements, every piece of evidence is strategically positioned to support your case.
3
Eligibility & Achievement Assessment
Every successful immigration strategy begins with a thorough evaluation. We work with you to assess your qualifications and identify potential challenges, so that you can make an informed decision about best path forward. This approach allows us to build a personalized strategy around your experience, achievements, and immigration goals.
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End-to-End Immigration Support
From your initial consultation through petition filing and any subsequent USCIS requests, we provide ongoing guidance throughout every stage of the EB-1A process. Our team is committed to answering your questions, keeping your case on track, and helping you confidently pursue U.S. permanent residence.