Did you know that each year, the U.S. can issue 140,000 employment-based (EB) visas to foreign nationals, plus the number of unused family-based visas from the previous year? As a result, for 2024, the U.S. government had a total of 161,000 employment-based green cards available.
Are you considering relocating to the United States for employment purposes? The EB-1 visa might be the right path for you, especially if you’re at the top of your field. But what does that really mean, and how do you know if you qualify?
Riverside EB-1 visa lawyer Sanjay Sobti also says that the EB-1 visa is an employment-based immigrant visa that was made for individuals who can demonstrate that they have extraordinary ability, are outstanding researchers or professors, or are multinational managers or executives.
What should you do to make a successful application? This article will examine the key factors that significantly impact your chances of a successful application.
Photo by Global Residence Index on Unsplash
Understanding the EB-1 Visa Categories
There are mainly three types of EB-1 visas. EB-1A can be granted to individuals with extraordinary skills in a specific field. The EB-1B visa is for immigrants who are talented researchers and professors. EB-1C involves managers and executives affiliated with multinational firms.
Letters from your associates who can attest to your expertise and influence are also a must. A follow-up document of some sort should always be a résumé or CV that lists all your experiences and qualifications.
Search for copies of contracts or agreements relative to your work. Documentation is necessary for a successful qualification for an EB-1 visa. Organize and label each document for easier handling and interpretation by the attorney and reviewer.
Look at all the different types of EB-1 visas and see which one fits your skills the best.
Eligibility Criteria for EB-1 Visa Applicants
If you want to be qualified for each EB-1 category, you will need to complete certain conditions.
You need to train and hone your skills to be a top-performing individual in your field. Prepare to present proof of your work and what makes a skilled professor or researcher. You need to have experience in managing multinational companies or actively participate in the decision-making of big, reputable companies. To get outstanding abilities, you have to show that you have kept your professional honor in your country or around the world.
An outstanding professor or researcher should have at least three years of experience and a distinguished record of scholarly achievements.
In the category of multinational executives, you must have worked in management or an executive capacity for at least one year within the last three years with the related organization.
Fulfilling these requirements puts you in a favorable position; before submitting, carefully consider your qualifications.
Required Documentation for Your Application
Gathering the proper set of evidence is of the utmost importance in EB-1 applications. You must first compile evidence of your extraordinary ability in work or achievements. Medals, publications, or any other work displaying your capability can serve as evidence for your EB-1 application. Try to obtain letters from your colleagues in your past workplaces.
These letters should contain how well you were doing your job and how you helped change things in your company as an employee. Attach to your application a CV or resume of your work abilities and job experiences.
Get photocopies of any contracts or agreements relative to your work. Compile all your documents and other relevant papers so that they can be easily understood by those who check them. Your lawyer and the reviewer must be able to easily handle and interpret all documents.
Distinguishing Factors of the EB-1 Visa
After you send in the right forms, you should know how the EB-1 visa is different from other types of visas.
The EB-1 is for people who are exceptional in science, art, education, business, or sports. The EB-1A category is different from many other employment-based visas in that it doesn’t require a job offer or sponsorship from an employer. People who qualify for this visa category may also be able to get permanent status more quickly.
The standard set to prove your extraordinary abilities is higher, but the benefits are rewarding. Receiving this visa grants you permanent residence and provides opportunities for your family.
Waiting times under the EB1 category are generally much shorter than in any other category, as the number of applicants is lower. These differentiations may help manage your options.
Tips for a Successful EB-1 Visa Application
Your extraordinary ability must be well presented and assertively supported under the EB-1 petition. Begin by accumulating relevant evidence to establish your extraordinary ability or achievement.
See to it that you procure recommendation letters from widely known individuals in the field. List awards, publications, or performances that conform to EB-1 criteria. Be more detailed, quantifying your achievements when possible.
You should check your petition application again. Your story should make it apparent why you should be given a visa. Fix any spelling, grammatical, or style issues you find in your application. Go over your application again to remove glaring mistakes. See if the design and tone of your application may need some work.
Get an EB-1 immigration lawyer who knows a lot about the process to look over your petition and provide you with suggestions. This extra step can help you get your visa application approved.
