Secure U.S. Permanent Residency for Top Talent | EB-1 Green Card (Priority Workers)
EB1 Visa USA: Complete Guide to the EB-1 Green Card (Requirements, Cost, Processing Time & Application)
Build a clear, compliant EB-1 strategy, from choosing the right EB-1 category and assembling evidence, to filing Form I-140 and planning adjustment of status or consular processing.
Pay only after approval (Terms apply). Competitive pricing. Clear deliverables.
EB-1 Visa at a Glance
Visa type: Employment-based immigrant visa (permanent residency / green card) – EB-1 “Priority Workers”
Who it’s for:
EB-1A: Individuals with extraordinary ability (self-petition possible)
EB-1B: Outstanding professors/researchers (employer petition)
EB-1C: Multinational executives/managers (employer petition)
Core petition: Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker)
Typical path to green card: I-140 → (visa number available) I-485 (in the U.S.) or consular processing (abroad)
Fees: USCIS filing fees + (if applicable) consular/immigrant visa fees; optional premium processing for eligible I-140s
- UK-market focused support
- Fixed-fee options
- Clear document checklists
- Secure handling
- Pay after approval (terms apply)
INDEX:
- What Is the EB1 Visa and What Is It Used for in the United States?
- EB1 Visa USA: Categories (EB-1A, EB-1B, EB-1C) and Who Can Apply
- EB1 Visa Requirements: Eligibility Criteria and Mandatory Documentation
- EB1 Visa to Green Card: Step-by-Step Application Process (I-140 → I-485 / Consular)
- EB1 Visa Processing Time: What Impacts Timelines (USCIS + Visa Bulletin)
- O1 Visa vs EB1: Key Differences
- Why Corporate Visa Solutions
What Is the EB1 Visa and What Is It Used for in the United States?
The EB1 visa USA is an employment-based immigrant category that can lead to a U.S. green card. It is designed for “priority workers” — individuals with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors/researchers, and multinational executives/managers.
Unlike temporary work visas, the EB-1 is a direct permanent residency pathway (subject to visa availability and eligibility).
EB-1 Visa USA: Categories (EB-1A, EB-1B, EB-1C) and Who Can Apply
For individuals who can demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim. Many applicants qualify by meeting at least 3 of 10 regulatory criteria (or a major internationally recognized award).
Requires a qualifying employer (e.g., university or eligible research institution) and evidence of international recognition in the academic field.
For executives/managers transferring to a U.S. entity within the same corporate group, meeting specific managerial/executive and qualifying relationship requirements.
Important: EB-1 eligibility and evidence standards are defined in USCIS guidance and U.S. regulations — strong documentation matters.
EB1 Visa Requirements: Eligibility Criteria and Mandatory Documentation
Your EB-1 route depends on the category, but typically includes:
A complete Form I-140 petition package
Evidence that matches the EB-1 category standard (EB-1A / EB-1B / EB-1C)
If applying for the green card inside the U.S.: Form I-485 (when eligible)
If applying abroad: consular processing steps (handled through the Department of State once the case reaches that stage)
Evidence examples
EB-1A evidence often maps to the regulatory criteria (awards, published material about you, scholarly contributions, authorship, judging, memberships, leading roles, high salary, etc.).
EB-1B and EB-1C rely more heavily on employer documentation (offer details, institutional standing, organizational charts, qualifying relationship, managerial/executive scope, etc.).
EB1 Visa to Green Card: Step-by-Step Application Process (I-140 → I-485 / Consular)
Step 1: File Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition)
The EB-1 process typically begins with Form I-140, filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) by the employer (EB-1B/EB-1C) or by the applicant (EB-1A, if eligible).
Step 2: Check Visa Availability (Visa Bulletin)
After the petition stage, the timing of green card issuance depends on visa availability, published monthly in the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin.
Step 3A: Apply Inside the U.S. (Form I-485, if eligible)
If you are in the United States and eligible to adjust status, you may apply for a green card by filing Form I-485 when permitted by visa availability and filing rules.
Step 3B: Apply Outside the U.S. (Consular Processing)
If you are outside the United States, the process continues through consular processing to obtain an immigrant visa and enter the U.S. as a permanent resident.
EB1 Visa Processing Time: What Impacts Timelines (USCIS + Visa Bulletin)
EB1 visa processing time depends on two moving parts:
A) USCIS petition timing (I-140)
USCIS processing varies by workload and service center — the most reliable reference is the official USCIS processing times tool.
Premium Processing may be available for many Form I-140 classifications and provides a USCIS action timeframe (where eligible) under USCIS premium processing rules.
B) Visa number availability (Visa Bulletin)
Even after I-140 approval, the ability to file I-485 or finalize consular processing can depend on the monthly Visa Bulletin and annual limits.
Practical note (copy for the page): EB-1 is often current for many countries, but backlogs can occur depending on demand and country of chargeability—always check the current bulletin.
EB1 Visa Cost: Government Fees, Premium Processing & Typical Budget
The eb1 visa cost is made up of several components:
USCIS filing fees (I-140 and, if applicable, I-485) — USCIS updates these, so use the official fee schedule / calculator for the current amounts.
Premium Processing fee (optional) via Form I-907 (if eligible). USCIS publishes official updates (including inflation adjustments).
If processing abroad: Department of State immigrant visa fees (employment-based fee tier is listed on the official DOS fee page).
Other typical costs: translations, couriering, medical exam (consular/AOS stage), and professional services.
Government fees are published by USCIS/DOS; total varies by case complexity; confirm before filing.
O1 Visa vs EB1: Key Differences
The O-1 visa is a nonimmigrant (temporary) work visa, while EB-1 is an immigrant category leading to permanent residence (a green card) if approved and a visa number is available.
Why Corporate Visa Solutions
We support companies and professionals with a structured EB-1 strategy, including:
Category selection: EB-1A / EB-1B / EB-1C
Evidence planning and document checklists
Petition preparation for Form I-140
Timeline planning around USCIS processing and visa availability
End-to-end support through adjustment of status or consular processing (as applicable)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The EB1 visa is an employment-based first preference immigrant category that can lead to a U.S. green card for priority workers (EB-1A, EB-1B, EB-1C).
In the USA, “EB-1” refers to the first-preference employment-based immigrant category for permanent residence, governed by USCIS rules and visa availability.
Requirements depend on whether you apply as EB-1A, EB-1B, or EB-1C. Each category has specific eligibility standards and evidence expectations outlined by USCIS and federal regulations.
It depends on USCIS processing for the I-140 plus visa availability shown in the Visa Bulletin. USCIS provides the official processing times tool for up-to-date estimates.
Premium processing is requested via Form I-907 for eligible cases and follows USCIS premium processing rules and fees.
Costs include USCIS fees (I-140 and possibly I-485), optional premium processing, and if applying abroad, Department of State immigrant visa fees. Check the official USCIS fee schedule/calculator and DOS fee page for current amounts.
Many applicants use professional support due to evidence complexity, category selection, and the need to present a coherent legal argument aligned with USCIS standards.
EB-1A is the extraordinary ability subcategory of EB-1. USCIS details the evidentiary framework in the Policy Manual and regulations.
How can we support your U.S. expansion?
If your company is planning to transfer employees to the United States, our team can help you identify the right U.S. visa.