EB-1AExtraordinary ability green card

The EB-1A is a first-preference employment-based green card for people at the very top of their field in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. You can file for yourself with no employer, job offer, or labor certification, but the evidence bar is the highest of any employment category: sustained acclaim shown through awards, published material, original contributions, and similar proof. Depending on your country of birth, EB-1 waits are often shorter than other employment green card categories.

Often a fit for: Founders, senior researchers, and award-winning professionals who want to self-petition for permanent residence.