The EB-1 visa is an employment-based, first-preference immigrant visa for individuals with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors or researchers, or certain multinational managers or executives. It is a direct path to a Green Card and is divided into three categories: EB-1A (extraordinary ability), EB-1B (outstanding professors/researchers), and EB-1C (multinational managers/executives).
EB-1A: Extraordinary Ability
- Who it's for: Individuals who have reached the top of their field in areas like science, arts, education, business, or athletics.
- Requirements: You must demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim through a one-time achievement (like a Nobel Prize or Olympic medal) or by meeting at least three out of ten specific criteria, which include winning major awards, national/international recognition, published material about you, or significant original contributions.
- Key feature: You do not need a job offer or labor certification to apply.
EB-1B: Outstanding Professors or Researchers
- Who it's for: Academics who are recognized internationally for their outstanding achievements in a specific academic field.
- Requirements: You must have at least three years of experience in teaching or research and demonstrate international recognition. You also need a job offer from a U.S. employer, such as a university or a private research company, and meet at least two of six criteria, which include winning major prizes, membership in associations, published materials about you, or original scholarly contributions.
EB-1C: Multinational Managers or Executives
- Who it's for: Managers and executives who are transferring from a foreign subsidiary, affiliate, or parent company to a U.S. office.
- Requirements: You must have worked for the same company for at least one year in the last three years in a managerial or executive capacity and have a specific offer for a similar role in the U.S. office.
- Key feature: This category is often used by those with an L-1A visa, but it's also a path for those without a prior U.S. visa.
