The EB-1 is the first-preference employment-based green card, reserved for individuals at the top of their field — extraordinary ability, outstanding researchers, and multinational executives. No PERM labor certification required for EB-1A and EB-1C.
Automate EB-1 workflowsAstrea handles document intake, evidence organization, form preparation, and deadline tracking — so your attorneys focus on strategy, not paperwork.
The EB-1 is the highest-preference employment-based immigrant visa category, granting US permanent residency to individuals with extraordinary ability (EB-1A), outstanding professors and researchers (EB-1B), and multinational managers or executives (EB-1C). Because EB-1 is first preference and often has current priority dates for all countries, it offers the fastest employment-based path to a green card — frequently with no wait for applicants from most countries.
From petition to green card — the key steps your firm manages on every EB-1 case.
An EB-1A applicant must satisfy at least 3 of the 10 USCIS evidentiary criteria — such as receipt of major awards, membership in elite associations, published articles, judging others' work, or commanding a high salary. Meeting 3 criteria is only the threshold; USCIS then conducts a final merits determination to assess overall extraordinary ability.
Yes. EB-1A is one of the few green card categories allowing self-petition — no US employer sponsorship, job offer, or PERM labor certification is required. The applicant files Form I-140 on their own behalf and must intend to continue working in their area of extraordinary ability.
EB-1A requires demonstrating the very highest level of achievement — sustained national or international acclaim. EB-2 NIW requires an advanced degree or exceptional ability and demonstrating national interest. EB-1A has a higher evidentiary bar but offers first-preference priority dates, which are often current, meaning no waiting for most applicants regardless of country of birth.
EB-1C I-140 processing takes 8–24 months with standard processing, or 45 business days with premium processing. Unlike EB-1A, EB-1C requires a qualifying US employer to file the petition. The applicant must have worked for the sponsoring organization abroad for at least 1 continuous year within the past 3 years in a managerial or executive capacity.