EB-1Timeline: 6-12 months to permanent residence

Priority Green Card Visa

The EB-1 is the first preference employment-based green card category, offering the fastest route to permanent residence. It includes three subcategories: EB-1A for individuals with extraordinary ability, EB-1B for outstanding professors and researchers, and EB-1C for multinational managers and executives. For most countries, there is no backlog, meaning you can go from filing to green card in under a year.

How we approach the EB-1

We evaluate your career history and accomplishments with you to create a unique narrative that captures your achievements, and document them in a way that the government can understand.

Requirements & Criteria
(in plain english)

We're looking for 3 or more of the following accomplishments. Most people don't know what counts and assume the bar is higher than it really is. A consultation can help you understand which criteria you meet, or could meet with some work:

01EB-1A: Evidence of extraordinary ability through sustained acclaim (similar to O-1 criteria)
02EB-1B: International recognition as outstanding in a specific academic field
03EB-1C: Employed abroad as a manager or executive for at least 1 of the past 3 years
04For EB-1A: meet at least 3 of 10 regulatory criteria or show a one-time major achievement
05For EB-1B: at least 2 of 6 criteria plus a qualifying job offer for a tenured or tenure-track position
06For EB-1C: the U.S. employer must have been doing business for at least 1 year
07Evidence that you will continue to work in your area of expertise in the U.S.
08Proof that your achievements have been recognized nationally or internationally

EB-1 Visa Overview

Permanent U.S. residence (green card)
No labor certification (PERM) required
EB-1A requires no employer sponsor
Current priority dates for most countries
Processing Time
6-12 months to permanent residence
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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions

What is the difference between O-1 and EB-1A?
The O-1 is a temporary work visa, while the EB-1A is a permanent green card. The evidentiary criteria are similar but the EB-1A standard is slightly higher. Many applicants start with an O-1 and later file for EB-1A once they have accumulated additional achievements.
Do I need an employer to file EB-1A?
No. The EB-1A is unique among employment-based green cards because you can self-petition. You do not need a job offer or employer sponsor, making it ideal for founders and self-employed professionals.
How long does EB-1 processing take?
With premium processing available for all EB-1 subcategories, the I-140 petition is adjudicated within 15 business days. The overall timeline to a green card depends on priority date availability, which is current for most countries.
Is there a backlog for EB-1?
For most countries, EB-1 priority dates are current, meaning no wait time. However, applicants from India and China may experience backlogs of 1-3 years depending on demand and annual visa allocation.
Can I file EB-1A while on another visa?
Yes. You can file an EB-1A petition while on any valid nonimmigrant status (H-1B, O-1, L-1, etc.) or even from outside the United States. Filing does not affect your current visa status.

Ready to begin?

Tell us about your situation and we'll map out the best path forward. Most consultations happen within 48 hours.

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