EB-1A Extraordinary Ability Green Card Lawyer in Phoenix

Green Card for Individuals at the Top of Their Field

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EB-1A representation for founders, executives, scientists, engineers, physicians, artists, athletes and elite professionals

👉 Czech version available

What Is the EB-1A Extraordinary Ability Green Card?

The EB-1A Extraordinary Ability category is an employment-based immigrant green card for individuals who have demonstrated sustained national or international acclaim and whose achievements places them among the small percentage at the very top of their field.

Unlike most employment-based green cards, EB-1A does not require:

  • employer sponsorship
  • a permanent job offer
  • labor certification (PERM)

Applicants may self-petition and pursue permanent residence independently.

Key Advantages of EB-1A

  • No employer or sponsor required
  • Self-petition allowed
  • No labor certification (PERM)
  • Priority category under U.S. immigration law
  • Premium Processing available (optional)
  • Can be pursued from inside or outside the United States

EB-1A Eligibility Requirements (Extraordinary Ability)

To qualify for the EB-1A Extraordinary Ability Green Card, you must demonstrate sustained national or international recognition and show that you intend to continue working in your field in the United States.

Two-Step Legal Test

USCIS applies a two-part analysis:

Step 1: Regulatory Criteria

You must satisfy either:

  • A one-time major, internationally recognized award, or

  • At least 3 of the following 10 criteria (explained below)

Step 2: Final Merits Determination

Even if you meet 3 criteria, USCIS evaluates the totality of your evidence to determine whether you are among the small percentage at the top of your field.

This is where legal strategy matters most.

The 10 EB-1A Criteria (Plain-English Overview)

You may qualify if your record includes evidence such as:

  • Awards or prizes for excellence in your field

  • Memberships requiring outstanding achievement

  • Published media about you or your work

  • Judging the work of others (referee, peer review, panels, committees)

  • Original contributions of major significance

  • Scholarly publications or professional articles

  • Leading or critical roles for distinguished organizations

  • High salary or remuneration compared to peers

  • Commercial success in the arts or business

  • Comparable evidence (for fields not fitting neatly into the above)

Most successful EB-1A cases do not rely on all 10 criteria.
The key is how the evidence is framed, connected, and argued.

Who Is a Strong EB-1A Candidate?

EB-1A approval is based on evidence and legal analysis, not job titles alone.

Successful candidates often include:

  • Company founders and senior executives
  • Scientists and academic researchers
  • Engineers and technology professionals
  • Physicians with research, leadership, or specialty focus
  • Artists, designers, and architects
  • Professional athletes and coaches

The difference between approval and denial is often case strategy, evidence framing, and legal argumentation.

EB-1A Government Filing Fees 

(Subject to change by USCIS)

  • Form I-140 (EB-1A Petition): $1,015
  • Premium Processing (optional): $2,965 (starting March 1, 2026)
  • Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status, if filed in the U.S.):  $1,440
  • Consular Processing: $580

Attorney fees vary based on case complexity and are discussed after an eligibility review.

EB-1A Processing Time

  • I-140 (standard processing): approximately 21 months (updated processing time posted periodically by USCIS)
  • I-140 (premium processing): 15 business days
  • Total time to permanent residence: varies by residence, nationality, and filing strategy

EB-1A Eligibility Evaluation

EB-1A is a powerful option—but it is not always the best one.  I offer an EB-1A eligibility evaluation tool to assess:

  • whether EB-1A is viable
  • whether another category is more appropriate
  • risks, strengths, and strategy before filing

👉 Do you qualify for EB-1? EB-1 evaluation tool: https://juraslaw.com/do-you-qualify-for-eb-1/

EB-1A Case Studies

👉 View examples of EB-1 Approvals:

https://juraslaw.com/eb-1a-visa-approval-for-international-soccer-star/

https://juraslaw.com/eb-1-case-study-from-court-to-green-card-a-champions-journey/

https://juraslaw.com/attorney-irena-juras-obtained-a-green-card-for-a-tennis-coach-in-just-11-days/

About the Attorney

I am a U.S. immigration attorney based in  Phoenix, Arizona, with more than 20 years of legal experience. My practice focuses on employment-based and talent-driven immigration, including EB-1A, NIW, EB-5, E-2/E-1, O, and P visas.

I represent clients worldwide, including entrepreneurs, professionals, athletes and investors seeking long-term U.S. immigration solutions.

Schedule a Consultation

📍 Virtual or in-person
🌍 Worldwide representation
🗣️ English consultations standard | Czech available upon request

👉 Schedule your consultation today with an experienced EB-1 attorney at https://juraslaw.com/schedule-consultation/ to make sure the “extraordinary” ability petition under EB-1 is the best option for you!