EB-1 Green Cards for Individuals with Extraordinary Ability in the Sciences, Arts, Athletics or Business
Foreign individuals with extraordinary ability in the arts, sciences, entertainment, business, or athletics are eligible for the employment-based first preference (EB1-1) category. The benefit of this category is that the individual may petition on his or her own behalf rather than depend on an employer as a sponsor. It also allows the individual to bypass the labor certification requirement as a prerequisite for permanent residence.
Criteria for Extraordinary Ability: Sustained National or International Acclaim
A foreign individual seeking an immigrant visa in this category must demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim, the evidence for which must include the following:
- A one-time achievement of a major international recognized award (e.g. Nobel Prize); OR
- Documentation of any three of the following:
- Receipt of lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards;
- Membership in associations in the field of endeavor that require outstanding achievement of their members;
- Published material about the person in professional or major trade publications or other major media;
- Participation as a judge of the work of others in his field;
- Evidence of original scientific, scholastic, artistic, athletic or business-related contributions of major significance;
- Authorship of scholarly articles in the field;
- Artistic exhibitions or showcases;
- Performance in a leading or cultural role for organizations or establishments that have a distinguished reputation;
- High salary or remuneration in relation to others in the field;
- Commercial success in the performing arts.