EB-1 Priority Workers — US Immigration Attorneys

The EB-1 is the first preference category of US employment-based green cards. It covers three subcategories: EB-1A (Extraordinary Ability — no employer sponsor needed), EB-1B (Outstanding Professors and Researchers), and EB-1C (Multinational Managers and Executives). EB-1 applicants from most countries have little to no waiting time.

EB-1

Visa code

Permanent Residence

Duration

$700

Gov fees from

USCIS

Filed with

Visa details

Visa typeEB-1 Priority Workers

CodeEB-1

DurationPermanent Residence

Est. gov fees$700 (I-140) + $1,440 (I-485) + attorney

Filed withUSCIS / DOS

Key eligibility

EB-1A: Demonstrate extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics

EB-1B: Outstanding professor or researcher with international recognition (employer required)

EB-1C: Multinational manager/executive transferred to a US affiliate (3+ years abroad)

EB-1A: No employer sponsorship or PERM labor certification required

EB-1B/1C: Employer must file Form I-140 petition

Meet the evidentiary criteria (3 of 10 criteria for EB-1A, or "international recognition" for EB-1B)

Why use an attorney for EB-1?

EB-1A petitions require building a compelling evidentiary record across USCIS's 10 criteria. An immigration attorney selects the strongest criteria for your specific achievements, frames the evidence correctly, and drafts a persuasive petition letter that articulates your extraordinary ability to a USCIS officer.

Loading agents...

Frequently asked questions

What evidence do I need for an EB-1A (extraordinary ability) petition?+

You must meet 3 of 10 criteria: prizes or awards, membership in selective associations, published material about you, judging others' work, original contributions, scholarly articles, displays at exhibitions, prominent roles in distinguished organisations, high salary relative to peers, or commercial success.

Do I need a job offer for EB-1A?+

No. The EB-1A is a self-petition — you file the I-140 yourself (or through an attorney) without an employer sponsor. You must show you will continue working in your field in the US, but no specific employer or job offer is required.

How is EB-1 different from EB-2 NIW?+

EB-1A requires extraordinary ability (the top of your field). EB-2 NIW requires an advanced degree and work that benefits the US, but the standard is lower than extraordinary ability. EB-1A has faster visa availability but a higher evidential bar.

How long does an EB-1 green card take?+

For most nationalities, EB-1 has current visa availability (no waiting queue). Once the I-140 is approved, most applicants can file the I-485 adjustment of status immediately. Total processing is typically 12–24 months.

Can a company sponsor me for EB-1C even if I just started?+

For EB-1C, you must have worked outside the US for the same employer (or affiliate) for at least 1 year within the 3 years before filing. The US position must be at a managerial or executive level.