EB-1 Green Card
A fast-moving green card option for highly accomplished professionals whose work has national or international recognition.
4-12 months
Processing Time
Permanent (green card)
Duration
Overview
The EB-1 (Employment-Based First Preference) green card category is reserved for individuals at the very top of their fields. 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.
EB-1A allows self-petitioning without employer sponsorship and requires demonstrating extraordinary ability through evidence such as major awards, published work, high salary, and significant contributions to the field. EB-1B requires a job offer for a permanent research or teaching position and evidence of international recognition. EB-1C requires transfer from a managerial/executive position abroad to a similar position in the U.S.
The EB-1 category typically has shorter wait times than EB-2 or EB-3 and does not require PERM labor certification (except for EB-1B in some cases). For EB-1A and EB-1C, there is no labor market test. This makes EB-1 significantly faster for those who qualify.
Key Requirements
- You have extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics (EB-1A)
- You have received major internationally recognized awards
- You meet at least 3 of 10 evidentiary criteria for extraordinary ability
- You are an outstanding professor or researcher with international recognition (EB-1B)
- You are a multinational executive/manager being transferred to a U.S. company (EB-1C)
Frequently Asked Questions
EB-1A is for extraordinary ability (self-petition possible). EB-1B is for outstanding professors/researchers (requires employer and 3+ years experience). EB-1C is for multinational managers/executives (requires qualifying employment abroad and U.S. company relationship).
No, EB-1A is one of the few employment-based categories that allows self-petitioning. You must show that you will continue to work in your area of extraordinary ability, but you don't need a specific job offer or employer sponsor.
Both require extraordinary ability, but O-1 is a temporary visa while EB-1A is a green card. EB-1A's evidentiary criteria are slightly different and may be evaluated more stringently. O-1 approval doesn't guarantee EB-1A approval, but strong O-1 cases often translate well.
EB-1 typically has the shortest wait times of employment-based categories. For most countries, it's current or nearly current. India and China may have backlogs of 1-3 years due to high demand. Check the monthly visa bulletin for current priority dates.
No, EB-1 categories do not require PERM labor certification. This is one of the main advantages—you skip the lengthy (12-18 month) PERM process entirely. EB-1B requires a job offer but the position need not be tested in the labor market.
Guides & Roadmaps
Explore our in-depth guides to help you navigate the process.
EB-1A Green Card Roadmap
A comprehensive guide to obtaining a green card through the EB-1A extraordinary ability category, covering eligibility criteria, the two-step filing process, required documentation, costs, and key strategies.
EB-1A Criteria Explained
A comprehensive guide to the EB-1A extraordinary ability visa criteria, detailing the evidence required to satisfy each of the ten qualifying criteria for individuals seeking permanent residency based on extraordinary ability.
EB-1B Green Card Roadmap for Outstanding Professors or Researchers
A comprehensive guide to the EB-1B green card process for outstanding professors and researchers, covering eligibility criteria, required documentation, costs, and strategic considerations.
EB-1C Green Card Roadmap for Multinational Managers & Executives
A comprehensive guide to obtaining a green card through the EB-1C category for multinational managers and executives, covering the two-step process from I-140 petition through permanent residence.
Not sure if this is the correct option for your situation and goals?
In their own words
I cannot say enough wonderful things about the entire team at Serotte Law, and how seamless they made my process in obtaining my nonimmigrant E1 Treaty Trader visa. I had the distinct pleasure of working with Rita Georges as my lawyer and Brenna Scanlon as my paralegal, both of whom offered incredible guidance through every step of the process. They both went out of their way to provide support not only outside standard business hours, but even during the Thanksgiving weekend when an urgent matter arose in my case. Danielle Roberts also played an important role supporting me throughout my journey and her dedication and timeliness were invaluable. Although the process was backlogged due to delays related to the pandemic, the entire team was continually in touch with me providing updates and any time I had a question (and there were many) I received a response almost instantly. Truly "white-glove", five star service from start to finish. Of note, the firm is especially skilled in working with entrepreneurs such as myself and was extremely detailed and meticulous in assembling my application package, leaving no detail to chance. In the instance I needed a referral to a business plan expert, they were quick to provide a recommendation with whom I also had an outstanding experience. Even for some unexpected issues in my case (namely, administrative processing) the entire team was both knowledgeable and supportive about what needed to be done such that I was ultimately successfully issued my E1. Your search for a law firm ends here.
Adam Haroun
Google Review
Prompt, efficient and proactive professionals, while being communicative and transparent every step of the way!! But most importantly, kind, compassionate and responsible. That is how I would describe Serotte Law(yers), in the true sense of every word!! I switched over to Serotte law 5 years ago, and as we all know switching law firms is a more tedious process than starting afresh, but Brenna made it seamless for me. Brenna Scanlon, their Managing paralegal is a highly qualified immigration expert, extremely well versed in her field of knowledge, and all of this while being a kind and compassionate human being. I don’t know of any other law firm that will call you after hours but these guys will. They will treat your sense of urgency as their own and that’s what stands them apart from the plethora of immigration lawyers out there!! Rita George’s, a highly capable and forthcoming lawyer, a solution finder, will guide you smoothly through every situation, every step of the way!! Immigration applicants tend to face many interrelated issues as well, but Serotte law guides you to the best of their ability there too, and if it’s not their forte they will refer you to the best of the best in the business - kinda like a concierge service!!! Thank you once again to team Serotte, Rita George’s, Brenna Scanlon, Danielle Roberts, Asia Battle, Mike Farrell, and everybody else for your able guidance and services.
KHANNA, Sahil
Google Review
I have had the pleasure of working with Serotte Law for the past 10+ years, and I cannot recommend their services highly enough. From the very beginning, they have provided exceptional support and guidance through every step of my US immigration journey. Initially, Serotte Law assisted me with obtaining and renewing my L-1A visas. Their deep understanding of immigration law and meticulous attention to detail ensured a smooth and successful application process. Over the years, they have consistently demonstrated their expertise and dedication, making what could have been a stressful experience remarkably manageable. Most recently, Serotte Law helped me achieve a significant milestone: obtaining my green card. Their unwavering commitment and personalized approach were instrumental in this success. The team at Serotte Law, specifically Rita Georges and Asia Battle, is not only highly knowledgeable but also incredibly responsive and compassionate, always taking the time to address my concerns and keep me informed. If you are seeking reliable and professional assistance for your US immigration needs, look no further than Serotte Law. Their proven track record, coupled with their client-focused approach, makes them the ideal choice. I am immensely grateful for their support and wholeheartedly recommend their services to anyone navigating the complexities of US immigration.
Bryan Shapcott
Google Review
I have worked with quite a few immigration attorneys in the last 7 years, and the team at Serotte Law is one of the best I have encountered. As an immigrant that requires work authorization to live in the US, immigration is always on my mind, and I am always stressing about it to some degree. This changed after my firm hired the team at Serotte Law. They handled my H1B transfer, PERM, I-140, and H1B Extension applications flawlessly. They guided me and my company through every step of the process and make sure we were on-track to meet the deadlines. My timeline to procure the I-140 was pretty tight. As such, Susan and team wasted no time in getting all the document in order, and staying on top of the case in the last 18 months. I received regular status updates, prompt email responses, and complete transparency in the process at every step of the way. I would 100% recommend hiring this team for all your work based immigration needs.
Dhaval Bajaria
Google Review
Resources
EB-1A Green Card Roadmap
A comprehensive guide to obtaining a green card through the EB-1A extraordinary ability category, covering eligibility criteria, the two-step filing process, required documentation, costs, and key strategies.
EB-1A Criteria Explained
A comprehensive guide to the EB-1A extraordinary ability visa criteria, detailing the evidence required to satisfy each of the ten qualifying criteria for individuals seeking permanent residency based on extraordinary ability.
EB-1B Green Card Roadmap for Outstanding Professors or Researchers
A comprehensive guide to the EB-1B green card process for outstanding professors and researchers, covering eligibility criteria, required documentation, costs, and strategic considerations.
EB-1C Green Card Roadmap for Multinational Managers & Executives
A comprehensive guide to obtaining a green card through the EB-1C category for multinational managers and executives, covering the two-step process from I-140 petition through permanent residence.
The FY 2027 H-1B Lottery: Weighted Selection Based on Wage Level
Conor Schneider
H-1B Visa Roadmap
A comprehensive guide to the H-1B specialty occupation visa, covering eligibility requirements, the cap and lottery process, filing documentation, admission periods, and key strategies for employers and foreign professionals.
Immigration Law Firm AI — How We Think About It at Serotte
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Rita Georges
The Alien Registration Requirement Explained
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Explore other visa options
O-1 Visa
For individuals with extraordinary ability whose work places them at the very top of their field (and can prove it).
EB-2 Green Card
For professionals whose advanced training or exceptional expertise supports a green card application.
National Interest Waiver (NIW)
A self-petitioned green card option for individuals whose work serves the national interest of the United States.