EB-1 Extraordinary Ability, Outstanding Researchers/Professors, International Managers/Executive

Under the various employment based categories, Category I based permanent residency is the most difficult to obtain. Initially, the foreign national must determine if he/she is eligible for lawful permanent residency according to the USCIS guidelines. 

An applicant filing an EB1 alien of extraordinary ability application may self-petition, but an applicant filing under outstanding researcher and/or professor and multinational manager must have a sponsoring employer.

EB-1 Priority worker categories

  • Foreign nationals of extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics;
  • Foreign nationals who are outstanding professors or researchers; and
  • Foreign nationals who are managers and executives subject to international transfer to the United States.

 

Extraordinary Ability Aliens

Under this category the alien’s entry into the US must substantially benefit prospectively the US. No labor certification is required for this category i.e. a specific job offer is not required for an alien in this category. The alien should be entering US to continue working in the field which the alien has extraordinary ability.  Aliens with extraordinary ability are those with "extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics which has been demonstrated by sustained national or international acclaim and whose achievements have been recognized in the field through extensive documentation." The alien must be one of "that small percentage who have risen to the very top of the field of endeavor," to be granted this classification. For example, if you receive a major internationally recognized award, such as a Nobel Prize, you will qualify for an EB-1 classification. Other awards may also qualify if you can document that the award is in the same class as a Nobel Prize. Since few aliens may receive these type of awards,  EB-1 regulations call for the “3 of 10” rule, i.e. classification based on at least three of the types of evidence outlined below, is permitted. The worker may submit "other comparable evidence" if the following criteria do not apply:

  1. Documents of the alien’s receipt of lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in the field of endeavor;
  2. Documentation of the alien’s membership in associations in the field for which classification is sought, which demand outstanding achievement of their members, as judged by recognized international experts in their disciplines or field;
  3. Published material about the alien in professional or major trade publications or other major media;
  4. Evidence that the alien has judged the work of others, either individually or on a panel;
  5. Evidence of the alien's original scientific, scholarly, artistic, athletic, or business-related contributions of major significance to the field;
  6. Evidence of the alien's authorship of scholarly articles in professional or major trade publications or other major media;
  7. Evidence that the alien's work has been displayed at artistic exhibitions or showcases;
  8. Performance of a leading or critical role in distinguished organizations;
  9. Evidence that the alien commands a high salary or other significantly high remuneration in relation to others in the field; and

10.Evidence of commercial successes in the performing arts.

For artists seeking permanent residency under this category, following is a suggested evidence list:

  1. Media coverage of the artist’s work (press releases, advertisement of movie premier, coverage on success of movie highlighting the artists part, newspaper articles, critic’s overview, industry publications etc.
  2. Copies of articles written about the individual in trade magazines – publications in the movie industry highlighting upcoming films featuring the artist.
  3. Any stage work (plays) – playbill or similar publication noting artist’s participation and previous successes in the field.
  4. Expert advisory opinions obtained from industry associations.
  5. Copies of work – DVD’s, posters advertising movie, etc.
  6. Evidence from producers of work showing box office sales, rating in the industry.
  7. Proof of high remuneration for parts in comparison to others in the films.
  8. Film industry reviews of work (film release and subsequent feedback from critics and the general public).
  9. Any awards received for roles played – copies of certificates or award letters along with documentation to show criteria for award and reputation/significance of awarding body.

Expert testimonials may be submitted to show that the alien is one of those few who have risen to the top of the field.  USCIS also requires documentary evidence to support this claim.

Outstanding Professors and Researchers

Outstanding professors and researchers are recognized internationally for their outstanding academic achievements in a particular field. In addition, an outstanding professor or researcher must have at least three years' experience in teaching or research in that academic area, AND enter the U.S. in a tenure or tenure track teaching or comparable research position at a university or other institution of higher education or with a private company employing three or more full-time researchers and an established record of documented accomplishments. Experience in teaching or research can be counted while working on advanced degree if such degree was acquired and the alien had full responsibility for the class taught, or the research has been recognized as outstanding in the academic field. If the employer is a private company rather that a university or educational institution, the department, division, or institute of the private employer must employ at least three researchers (besides the applicant engaged) full time in research activities and have achieved documented accomplishments in an academic field.

No labor certification is required but a job offer is a requirement. Under this category the petitioner has to show proof that the offered employment is of a qualifying nature, the alien has the requisite credentials and alien is outstanding in an academic field.  To show that there is qualifying offer of employment, the employer must submit a letter with the petition stating the terms of the employment especially a tenured or tenure-track teaching/research position in the alien’s field or a research position having no fixed term and in which the alien will have an expectation of continued employment or a comparable position with private employer with proof that at least three full time researchers are employed having achieved documented accomplishments in the field.  With respect to credentials the alien has to submit letters from current as well as former employers documenting at least three years experience in teaching or research in the field.

Evidence that the professor or researcher is recognized as outstanding in the academic field must include documentation of at least two of the following:

  1. Receipt of major prizes or awards for outstanding achievement;
  2. Membership in associations that require their members to demonstrate outstanding achievements;
  3. Published material in professional publications written by others about the alien's work in the academic field;
  4. Participation, either on a panel or individually, as a judge of the work of others in the same or allied academic field;
  5. Original scientific or scholarly research contributions in the field; and
  6. Authorship of scholarly books or articles (in scholarly journals with international circulation) in the field.

 

Multinational Manager or Executive

Some executives and managers of foreign companies who are transferred to the U.S. may qualify. A multinational manager or executive is eligible for priority worker status if he or she has been employed at least one year (any time) in the preceding three years by the overseas affiliate, parent, subsidiary, or branch of the US employer and seeks to enter the U.S to continue service to that firm or organization in a managerial or executive capacity. The subsidiary can be a joint venture if there is equal control and veto power or can be less than one-half of ownership under certain circumstances. The one-year employment abroad must be continuous.

 No labor certification but a job offer by the US company is required in this category. The petitioner must be a U.S. employer, doing business for at least one year, that is an affiliate, a subsidiary, or the same employer as the firm, corporation or other legal entity that employed the foreign national abroad. There is no requirement that the qualifying relationship (there must be an actual transfer of stock; neither an agreement nor a working relationship would work because both does not involve the necessary ownership and control) between the US and the foreign entity for one year at the time of the petition filing.

Definitions of terms relevant to this EB-1 category are found in 8 CFR § 204.5. “Managerial Capacity” requires management of an organization, department, component or function by the alien along with supervision and control of other supervisory, managerial or professional personnel or management of an essential function.  Besides, the alien should have the authority to make personnel decisions including the right to hire and fire or functioning at a senior level if managing a function. The alien also should exercise absolute discretion over operations or a function.  Under “Executive Capacity”, the alien is required to show management of an organization, department, component or function along with the authority to establish goals and policies. The alien also should show a wide range in discretionary decision-making process as well as a minimal general supervision from his/her higher officials.

Comments

Note: Unless the context shows otherwise, all answers here were provided by Rajiv and were compiled and reported by our editorial team from comments, blog and community calls on immigration.com. Where transcribed from audio/video, a verbatim transcript is provided. Therefore, it may not conform to the written grammatical or syntactical form.

Submitted by mysore sriniva… (not verified) on Fri, 10/08/2021 - 12:23 Permalink

Can a Phd student say in Computer science on a F1 visa from reputed university like Stanford and with good credentials apply for EB1-B visa on completion of his Phd and working in a good research company like (google research) in his OPT without switching from F1 visa to H-1B visa?

Note: Unless the context shows otherwise, all answers here were provided by Rajiv and were compiled and reported by our editorial team from comments, blog and community calls on immigration.com. Where transcribed from audio/video, a verbatim transcript is provided. Therefore, it may not conform to the written grammatical or syntactical form.

Note: Unless the context shows otherwise, all answers here were provided by Rajiv and were compiled and reported by our editorial team from comments, blog and community calls on immigration.com. Where transcribed from audio/video, a verbatim transcript is provided. Therefore, it may not conform to the written grammatical or syntactical form.

Submitted by Ajay (not verified) on Sun, 11/21/2021 - 20:48 Permalink

Hello Sir,

I am B.Tech Graduate from India in 1996. Currently working as a consultant with New Jersey based employer. My current employer has processed GC in EB2 category. Priority date is Sep2020. There is another company who is asking me to join. Company is ready to file my GC in EB1 category as I have more than 20 years of IT experience working on different roles in India and USA. Can you please guide me on below questions:- Is it possible my employer can process my another GC in EB1 category? Can you please guide me if new employer can process my GC in EB1? If yes what all documents and fee do you charge to process GC in EB1 category? How much time it takes in complete EB1 GC processing?

Thanks,

Note: Unless the context shows otherwise, all answers here were provided by Rajiv and were compiled and reported by our editorial team from comments, blog and community calls on immigration.com. Where transcribed from audio/video, a verbatim transcript is provided. Therefore, it may not conform to the written grammatical or syntactical form.

Note: Unless the context shows otherwise, all answers here were provided by Rajiv and were compiled and reported by our editorial team from comments, blog and community calls on immigration.com. Where transcribed from audio/video, a verbatim transcript is provided. Therefore, it may not conform to the written grammatical or syntactical form.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 03/21/2022 - 07:32 Permalink

Dear Sir-

I worked as a Technical Delivery Manger (with an international Bank) before coming to US on H1b 6 years ago. I still work as an IT Manger with a different multinational company. Am I qualified to file in EB1 visa category? If no, Will I be qualified if I move to my first company here in US?

Note: Unless the context shows otherwise, all answers here were provided by Rajiv and were compiled and reported by our editorial team from comments, blog and community calls on immigration.com. Where transcribed from audio/video, a verbatim transcript is provided. Therefore, it may not conform to the written grammatical or syntactical form.

Submitted by Rajiv S. Khanna on Mon, 03/28/2022 - 08:53 Permalink In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

We are allowed to file a green card in the EB-1C category only through a related set of companies. You cannot go outside the relationship to file through a different company.

Note: Unless the context shows otherwise, all answers here were provided by Rajiv and were compiled and reported by our editorial team from comments, blog and community calls on immigration.com. Where transcribed from audio/video, a verbatim transcript is provided. Therefore, it may not conform to the written grammatical or syntactical form.

Submitted by Kuldeep (not verified) on Thu, 04/14/2022 - 01:29 Permalink

Hi , I am working for same organization from 2008. I have worked at India office from 2008 till 2018 and then came to USA in 2018 and working with same organization on client side.

I was worked as Offshore Manager at India office even though official designation was Tech Manager I have performed below managerial activity at offshore/India. 1) I have worked with the same organization for 11 year before entering to US. 2) I have worked as a Offshore Manager 6 to 8 profession resource and they are reporting me. 3) I was responsible for resource work allocation. 4) I was responsible for resource hiring. 5) I was responsible for performance appraisal/promotion and leave authorization. 6) I also did multiple Automation to reduce cost of Client and based on that we got some business from client .

In 2018, I have came to USA and same India Team was reporting me although Till 2020 March. My Role in LCA is System Architect & From March I moved on another project and my designation is Tech Manager And now my company are planning to change the role from individual contributor to Manager

My Question is

I would like to know, Do i am eligible for EB1-C or please suggest if any LCA Role Change will help From 15-1199 System Architect to any other like 11-3021.00 computer and information systems managers

Thanks with Regards, Kuldeep

Note: Unless the context shows otherwise, all answers here were provided by Rajiv and were compiled and reported by our editorial team from comments, blog and community calls on immigration.com. Where transcribed from audio/video, a verbatim transcript is provided. Therefore, it may not conform to the written grammatical or syntactical form.

Submitted by Rajiv S. Khanna on Tue, 04/26/2022 - 07:56 Permalink

It looks like you could potentially qualify, but only your lawyers can assist you after reviewing the exact job description, etc.

Note: Unless the context shows otherwise, all answers here were provided by Rajiv and were compiled and reported by our editorial team from comments, blog and community calls on immigration.com. Where transcribed from audio/video, a verbatim transcript is provided. Therefore, it may not conform to the written grammatical or syntactical form.

Note: Unless the context shows otherwise, all answers here were provided by Rajiv and were compiled and reported by our editorial team from comments, blog and community calls on immigration.com. Where transcribed from audio/video, a verbatim transcript is provided. Therefore, it may not conform to the written grammatical or syntactical form.

Submitted by Abhijit (not verified) on Tue, 05/03/2022 - 05:25 Permalink

Hi Rajiv,

I am currently working as a scientist with Amazon. I am hoping to evaluate likelihood of my mom’s chances for EB1A. She currently holds the top position in one of the most prestigious universities in India. She’s been thoroughly covered by media (as an administrator and reforms in national education policies), has multiple international papers in plasma physics and has also advised doctoral candidates/reviewed papers. She holds two patents and sits on national education committees as well as is executive member of plasma/semiconductor groups in India. I tried summarizing bulk of her high-level pointers but would omit her name for sensitive reasons. If you feel, it’s worth the deep dive and time. Please let me know and I can reserve some time for us to discuss. Would appreciate your help in navigating the process of first consultation (if we come to that point)

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Thanks Abhijit

Note: Unless the context shows otherwise, all answers here were provided by Rajiv and were compiled and reported by our editorial team from comments, blog and community calls on immigration.com. Where transcribed from audio/video, a verbatim transcript is provided. Therefore, it may not conform to the written grammatical or syntactical form.

It is certainly worth reviewing. Please email me her resume at help(at sign)immigration dot com. Let me take a look. Regards. Rajiv.

Note: Unless the context shows otherwise, all answers here were provided by Rajiv and were compiled and reported by our editorial team from comments, blog and community calls on immigration.com. Where transcribed from audio/video, a verbatim transcript is provided. Therefore, it may not conform to the written grammatical or syntactical form.

Submitted by Raghavendar (not verified) on Wed, 10/26/2022 - 13:24 Permalink

Hello sir,

I was on L1-A blanket visa when my employer filed I-140 in the year 2017 under EB1-c category and got i-140 approved in Oct-2018. I had to move back to home country due to personal reasons in August-2018. Now i came back in Oct-2022 on L1-B(not L1-A) visa filed by same employer and planning to file i-485(AOS) for the i-140 approved in EB-1c category.

My employer has recently provided the supportive document for i-485 filing , that is i-485j supplement form and it supports my role in i-140 in EB-1c category despite i am on L1-B visa.

My questions are: Q 1: I was on L1-A when my i-140 got approved in EB-1c. Now i am on L1-B visa(Specialized knowledge). Does it going to impact my i-485 process in EB-1c category?

Q2: Is there any chance of rejection/denial of my approved EB-1 i-140 subsequently i-485 because of the non-immigrant L1-B visa status(as this visa is for specialized knowledge but not multinational managers)?

Please clarify. Appreciate your help.

Raghu.

Note: Unless the context shows otherwise, all answers here were provided by Rajiv and were compiled and reported by our editorial team from comments, blog and community calls on immigration.com. Where transcribed from audio/video, a verbatim transcript is provided. Therefore, it may not conform to the written grammatical or syntactical form.

Note: Unless the context shows otherwise, all answers here were provided by Rajiv and were compiled and reported by our editorial team from comments, blog and community calls on immigration.com. Where transcribed from audio/video, a verbatim transcript is provided. Therefore, it may not conform to the written grammatical or syntactical form.

Submitted by Saurabh Pravin (not verified) on Tue, 12/20/2022 - 02:39 Permalink

Hello Rajeev, I am currently working on H1b visa for last 3 years. I am working as an co author in a book that will he published next year and have been on a panel at a conference in India. I have completed my masters and have applied for my PE license.

Please advise if I became a part of indian review board of any journal if it will be accepted by uscis to satisfy the criteria to judge others work for EB1

If I apply for a patent do I need show the patent number or users of the patent to the USCIS

Disclaimer
This answer is for information purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Note: Unless the context shows otherwise, all answers here were provided by Rajiv and were compiled and reported by our editorial team from comments, blog and community calls on immigration.com. Where transcribed from audio/video, a verbatim transcript is provided. Therefore, it may not conform to the written grammatical or syntactical form.

Submitted by Rajiv S. Khanna on Sun, 02/26/2023 - 07:56 Permalink In reply to by Saurabh Pravin (not verified)

Maybe.

Disclaimer
This answer is for information purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Note: Unless the context shows otherwise, all answers here were provided by Rajiv and were compiled and reported by our editorial team from comments, blog and community calls on immigration.com. Where transcribed from audio/video, a verbatim transcript is provided. Therefore, it may not conform to the written grammatical or syntactical form.

Submitted by Porting Priori… (not verified) on Mon, 01/02/2023 - 22:05 Permalink

Hello Sir, My Eb1a I-140 is approve with Priority date Dec 2022. Can i port my Eb2 I-140 priority date which is January 2018. Is it doable?

Disclaimer
This answer is for information purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Note: Unless the context shows otherwise, all answers here were provided by Rajiv and were compiled and reported by our editorial team from comments, blog and community calls on immigration.com. Where transcribed from audio/video, a verbatim transcript is provided. Therefore, it may not conform to the written grammatical or syntactical form.

Note: Unless the context shows otherwise, all answers here were provided by Rajiv and were compiled and reported by our editorial team from comments, blog and community calls on immigration.com. Where transcribed from audio/video, a verbatim transcript is provided. Therefore, it may not conform to the written grammatical or syntactical form.

Submitted by Ravi Kumar (not verified) on Tue, 03/21/2023 - 20:35 Permalink

While I was in India , I was working for a company at managerial level from June,3, 2013 to May,27th, 2019. I have resigned and joined another company on H1B /USA from May 28th,2019 till May 27th,2021. I joined back subsidiary company of the earlier Indian company (Previous employer) in USA, on May 28th,2021via H1B transfer at an executive level i.e financial controller with a big team. Am I eligible for EB1 C category? Can I say that I have worked for 1 year out of 3 years with the foreign company? Thanks

Disclaimer
This answer is for information purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Note: Unless the context shows otherwise, all answers here were provided by Rajiv and were compiled and reported by our editorial team from comments, blog and community calls on immigration.com. Where transcribed from audio/video, a verbatim transcript is provided. Therefore, it may not conform to the written grammatical or syntactical form.

Submitted by Rajiv S. Khanna on Sat, 03/25/2023 - 05:35 Permalink

You have to have worked outside the USA for a related company for one year out of the last three counting back from the date you apply.

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This answer is for information purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship.

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