Employment-Based Visas (EB-1)

Empowering Extraordinary Changemakers in the US
Immigration law firms highlight that the EB-1 immigrant visa category is the preferred choice for securing permanent residency (often called a green card) in the United States compared to other employment-based immigration pathways.
Employment-based immigration does not necessarily mean employer-sponsored. Instead, it means the condition for migration is the individual’s intention to continue to work in their field.
It has three occupation-wise categories, each with its own requirements: EB-1C Multinational Executives and Managers, EB-1A Persons of Extraordinary Ability, and EB-1B Outstanding Professors and Researchers. The criteria flexibility makes many of these categories viable for individuals in virtually any industry, including science, technology, business, athletics, and the arts.
Employment-based immigration lawyers from the Law Offices of Mary Kennedy, the best immigration law firm, are ready to help you secure your EB-1 visa. We can guide you through the intricacies and do what is necessary to ensure smooth visa processing.
Eligibility Criteria for EB-1 Visa

Extraordinary Talent
Internationally or nationally recognized individuals with extraordinary scientific, arts, business, education, or athletics proficiency can apply for EB-1. Although an offer of employment is not a significant prerequisite, the EB-1 requires extensive documentation as proof of achievements.
To demonstrate exceptional ability, an applicant must present significant one-time accomplishments, such as winning a Pulitzer Prize, Olympic Medal, or an Oscar. Alternatively, they must fulfill at least three of the following criteria or two if they are outstanding professors or researchers. They should provide evidence of:
- Judgment of others’ work by the applicant.
- Published materials about the applicant.
- Authorship of articles.
- Performance in a leading role.
- Commercial success.
- Lesser prize or award.
- Membership in associations.
- High salary.
Outstanding Professor or Researcher
Multinational Manager or Executive
Unlocking Your EB-1 Success Strategy

EB-1 Visa: Required Documents
The following documents should be submitted to the USCIS by the employment-based visa applicants and their employers:
- Valid passport.
- Two valid US Visa photos.
- Job invitation from your US employer.
- Letters from previous employers.
- Approved Form I-140.
- Form DS-260 confirmation page if applying outside the US.
- Awards achieved
- Publications
- Association memberships
- Your company’s organizational chart.
- Government-issued identity document with your photo.
- Your birth certificate.
- Medical and vaccine documents with signature.
- Court and criminal records, if any.
EB-1 Visa: The Benefits
Work in the US
Travel in and out of the country without any restrictions.
Apply without any financial investments.
Apply for dependent visas for spouses and unmarried children below 21 years.
Apply for the visa without labor certification.
Deeper Insights About Employment-Based (EB1) Visas
What is an EB-1 visa, and how does it work?
The USCIS issues approximately forty thousand Employment-Based or EB-1 visas, which are restricted explicitly to applicants with extraordinary skills and achievements in education, science, business, and art. Applicants must provide evidence of outstanding ability in the following ways:
- International or national awards
- Highlighted in prominent publications
- Membership in high-achievement groups or associations
Individuals applying for the EB-1A Visa can submit their own petition without needing sponsorship from an employer. In contrast, applicants for the EB-1C, and EB-1B and visas must have their petitions filed by U.S. employers with USCIS in order to obtain the EB-1 Green Card.
How do EB-1 visas and Green Cards differ from each other?
A Permanent Resident Visa is also popularly known as a Green Card. It is an official document that allows foreign nationals to live and work indefinitely in the USA. Temporary visas, on the other hand, allow limited time and are restricted only for certain purposes.
EB-1 Visas | Green Card |
---|---|
It is a specific category of Green Card obtained through employment immigration. | Also known as the Permanent Resident Card, the Green Card is an official document establishing that a foreign citizen can live indefinitely in the US. |
Only individuals with extraordinary arts, science, education, and business abilities are eligible for EB-1 visas. | Green Card eligibility depends on the immigration category applied for and the immediate family members of the applicants. |
Does EB-1 require a Medical Examination?
Yes. A Green Card medical examination is mandatory for all EB-1 visa applicants to determine whether they are admissible to the US. The medical inadmissibility criteria for employment-based immigration include:
- Presence of communicable diseases that may cause public concern.
- Inability to show vaccination proof.
- Substance abuse.
- Mental conditions that result in harmful behavior.