EB-1 — Employment First Preference - Priority Worker

United States•North America

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EB-1 — Employment First Preference - Priority Worker

Skilled Migration PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

1–3 years

Estimated Cost

USD $1,545–$1,895

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

Indefinite

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information

Living in United States

Cost of Living

Baseline

Avg Salary$52,000

Quality of Life

185/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

Priority workers: persons of extraordinary ability (EB-1A), outstanding professors/researchers (EB-1B), or multinational managers/executives (EB-1C).

The EB-1 is a US employment-based green card for three talent tiers: EB-1A for individuals with extraordinary ability in science, arts, education, business, or athletics; EB-1B for outstanding professors and researchers; and EB-1C for multinational managers and executives. About 40,040 visas are available annually.

EB-1 bypasses PERM labor certification but carries a high evidentiary burden — applicants must prove they are at the very top of their field. EB-1A uniquely allows self-petitioning; EB-1B and EB-1C require employer sponsorship. Dependents receive E-14/E-15 status with unrestricted work authorization.

This visa is ideal for world-class researchers, executives, and elite professionals whose achievements or corporate role can withstand rigorous USCIS scrutiny.

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Cost Breakdown

Form I-140 filing fee (Paper)USD $715

Form I-140 filing fee (Online)USD $665

Asylum Program Fee (Standard)USD $600

Asylum Program Fee (Small)USD $300

Immigrant visa fee (consular processing)USD $345

USCIS Immigrant FeeUSD $235

TotalUSD $1,545–$1,895

Stay & Extensions

Status type

Permanent / indefinite

Annual Cap & Quota

~40,040/year

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

EB-1A (Extraordinary Ability): Sustained national or international acclaim in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics; must meet at least 3 of 10 specific criteria or provide evidence of a one-time major achievement (e.g., Nobel Prize, Olympic Medal).

EB-1B (Outstanding Professors and Researchers): International recognition for outstanding achievements in a particular academic field; at least 3 years of experience in teaching or research; job offer for a tenure/tenure-track or comparable research position at a university or institution of higher education.

EB-1C (Multinational Manager or Executive): Employed outside the U.S. in a managerial or executive capacity for at least 1 year in the 3 years preceding the petition; seeking to enter the U.S. to work for a related U.S. employer that has been doing business for at least 1 year.

KEY CRITERIA

Experience

1+ years

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Form I-140 and filing fee ($715).

Evidence of qualification (e.g., awards, publications, membership in professional associations, media coverage, judging others' work, high salary).

Valid passport.

Job offer letter (for EB-1B and EB-1C).

Birth and marriage certificates (for dependents).

Medical examination records (Form I-693).

Police clearance certificates (for consular processing).

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

No PERM labor certification required.
Priority processing status.
Often faster than other employment-based categories.
EB-1A allows for self-petitioning (no employer needed).
Spouse and unmarried children under 21 can obtain green cards.

Worth Knowing

Very high bar for evidence and qualification.
Complex petition process often requiring legal assistance.
Visa availability can still be subject to backlogs depending on country of birth.
High scrutiny on evidence quality.
Country backlog may apply (India, China)