Extraordinary talent sets a clear mark of excellence. It shows in results that stand on their own: research that advances knowledge, performances that define a craft, or leadership that changes how others work. World-class ability earns acknowledgment because its impact is visible and lasting. It draws respect from peers, institutions, and audiences wherever dedication and achievement are understood.
When achievement reaches that level, opportunity often follows. The United States recognizes this kind of distinction through the EB-1A Green Card, a path reserved for individuals whose work has achieved sustained national or international recognition. It allows people whose records of excellence are clear in their field, whether in science, business, education, the arts, or athletics, to apply for permanent residence without needing an employer to sponsor them. To qualify, applicants must also show that their work will substantially benefit the United States.
EB-1A Green Card: Extraordinary Ability
The EB-1A green card is for people who have reached an exceptional level of success in their profession. It applies to experts in fields such as science, art, education, business, and athletics whose work has earned clear national or international recognition.
To qualify, applicants must show a record of major achievements that place them among the very top of their field. USCIS requires proof that their accomplishments have been recognized and that they plan to continue working in the same area of expertise once in the United States.
There are two ways to qualify. The first is by showing a single, major internationally recognized award, such as a Nobel Prize or Olympic medal. The second is by meeting at least three of the ten possible types of evidence:
- Professional awards for excellence in the field.
- Membership in associations that require outstanding achievement.
- Published material about the applicant’s work in major media or professional journals.
- Serving as a judge of the work of others in the same or related field.
- Making original contributions of major significance to the field.
- Authorship of scholarly articles in professional journals or major media.
- Serving in a critical or leading role for a distinguished organization.
- Earning a high salary or significant remuneration compared to others in the field.
- Having work displayed in exhibitions or showcases.
- Showing commercial success in the performing arts (e.g., box office receipts, sales).
People who apply for the EB-1A can file on their own. No employer or job offer is required. The process starts by submitting Form I-140, Petition for Alien Worker to USCIS, along with documentation that supports the applicant’s extraordinary ability.
The standard for approval is very high. USCIS focuses on the significance and value of the applicant’s achievements, not just the amount of evidence provided. The evidence must show ongoing recognition and impact, proving that the person is among the top in their field.
USCIS Policy Update on EB-1 Extraordinary Ability Evidence (Effective October 2024)
USCIS has updated its policy manual to provide further clarity on the types of evidence that can be used to determine eligibility for the extraordinary ability (E11) EB-1 immigrant visa category.
This update:
- Confirms that team awards will now be considered under the criteria for lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards.
- Clarifies that past memberships in relevant associations are now recognized under the membership criterion.
- Removes previous language suggesting that published material must prove the value of a person’s work to qualify for the published material criterion.
- Explains that the term “exhibition” in the regulation is specifically limited to artistic exhibitions, meaning non-artistic exhibitions will only be considered if they are supported by comparable evidence.
Effective October 2024, this policy update replaces previous guidance and provides clearer instructions for applicants on how to submit evidence to prove their eligibility for the EB-1 extraordinary ability category.
Comparable Evidence for EB-1A Petitions
If the standard evidence criteria don’t fully apply to the applicant’s field, they can submit comparable evidence to prove their eligibility. USCIS allows applicants to show extraordinary ability with evidence that matches the purpose of the criteria, even if those criteria don’t directly fit their job.
For example, if the publication of scholarly articles is not relevant to a petitioner whose work is more industry-focused rather than academic, the petitioner may submit evidence of presentations at major trade shows as comparable proof. Similarly, for applicants whose job does not involve receiving a high salary (such as entrepreneurs), evidence like highly valued equity holdings in a startup could substitute for salary-related criteria.
USCIS does not accept general assertions about why a criterion is not applicable. Instead, applicants should provide clear, detailed, and trustworthy explanations for why certain criteria don’t apply and show how the comparable evidence proves their extraordinary ability.
For instance, an Olympic coach whose athlete wins a medal while under their tutelage could provide evidence that is comparable to the criterion for original contributions of major significance. Similarly, election to a national all-star team might be considered comparable evidence for membership in an elite association.
The evidence submitted must demonstrate that the applicant is among the small percentage of individuals who have risen to the top of their field. USCIS will assess all evidence together, including comparable evidence, to determine whether the applicant’s body of work shows sustained national or international acclaim.
Source:
- USCIS. https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-6-part-f-chapter-2
- USCIS. https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-issues-new-guidance-on-eb-1-eligibility-criteria-for-individuals-with-extraordinary-ability
- USCIS. https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/permanent-workers/employment-based-immigration-first-preference-eb-1