EB-1A GREEN CARD Immigration Legal services
Be more flexible. Have less time pressure. Don’t be controlled by your employer. Get a green card faster. The EB-1A is a faster track for those at the top of their field.
Almost everything in your career responds to effort and skill, but not standard immigration pathways
H-1B and the employer sponsored green card are defaults — what your employer files, what your classmates did. They do not consider how much value an individual can actually provide to America.
The EB-1A green card is faster to process, self-petitioned so that you have freedom of employment, and does not have limits or lotteries. For individuals who qualify, it can often be a better option for achieving residency.
Nicole Gunara
Principal Immigration Attorney
7 years of experience
The EB-1A is awarded based your accomplishments, not luck
Known as the premium green card for individuals with extraordinary ability, the EB-1A is ideal for accomplished startup founders, scientists, researchers, academics, executives, and others who are world-class.
Instead of a lottery, it’s granted on evidence: proof that you’re among the best at what you do. It is fully self-petitioned, meaning no employer sponsorship is required to file the Green Card petition.
You don’t need to be famous to qualify
The real question isn’t “Am I extraordinary enough?” It’s “Which of the things I’ve already done give me the leverage to take control?”
Qualifying is less random and more achievable than you think
For the EB-1A, you qualify by meeting at least three of the following ten criteria.
You may already have several of these categories covered, in which case the main thing you need is to explain your accomplishments to USCIS in a way that makes it difficult for them to deny your application.
1
Nationally or internationally recognized awards or prizes for excellence
2
Membership in associations that require outstanding achievement
3
Published material about you and your work in major media or trade publications
4
Judging the work of others on a panel, at conferences, and grant reviews
5
Original contributions of major significance in your field
6
Authorship of scholarly articles in your field, open source work, white papers, or patent filings
7
A critical or essential role for organizations with a distinguished reputation, or a critical role for non-traditional organizations
8
A high salary or other high pay compared to others in your field, or for startup founders, evidence of equity or funding
9
Your work has been showcased publicly, ex. exhibitions or performances
10
You’ve had commercial success in the performing arts
The exact steps for getting your EB-1A
The EB-1A process follows a clear path, though the timeline depends on how much evidence you already have. Here are the typical steps.
01
Manifest Quiz & Attorney Consult
1–3 days
Start with our free quiz. We’ll assess your eligibility and, if you’re eligible, book your free consultation.
During the consult, you can share your story, get personalized guidance on your case, and make sure it’s the right fit before you commit.
02
Evidence Collection
3–6 weeks
You’ll get a personalized document checklist and access to our secure client portal. With guidance from your attorney and an evidence coach* if needed, you’ll upload materials that showcase your achievements and impact. See your case progress live, watch what your lawyer is working on, and message your lawyer directly through the portal.
03
Petition Drafting, Review & Filing
4–6 weeks · varies by case
Your EB-1A attorney drafts the full petition, including letters, a personal statement, and a cover memo. Depending on the plan you choose, your case is then reviewed by a second attorney or former USCIS officer to ensure it’s strategically sound.
04
Petition Decision
15 business days (premium) · 2 months+ (standard)
After final review, we file your case with USCIS. Processing times are dependent on USCIS, but premium processing can guarantee a decision within 15 business days.
*Disclaimer: Working with an evidence development coach does not guarantee approval of your case.
Taking back control is the goal. Getting the details right is how you can improve your approval odds. The EB-1A Green Card can earn you freedom, flexibility, and permanent residency.
Ana Gabriela Urizar
Immigration Attorney
10+ years of experience
Manifest Law was founded by immigrants, with the purpose of addressing our shared frustrations
OUR QUALITY BAR
Only the Top 1% of Attorney Applicants Are Selected
Every Manifest attorney goes through a selective, multi-stage hiring process. When you engage us for an appeal, you’re getting an attorney who was chosen for how they think and how they write — not just who was available.
ALWAYS CURRENT
Real-Time Intelligence, Always Up-to-Date
We closely monitor trends in approvals and denials to stay ahead of evolving USCIS expectations. Our attorneys receive ongoing training based on the latest adjudication patterns, and we work with experienced advisors to refine our strategies in real time.
TOTAL TRANSPARENCY
Seamless communication, fast response times
Track your case preparation progress and receive real-time notifications and updates from your legal team via the Manifest portal. We closely monitor trends in approvals and denials to stay ahead of evolving USCIS expectations.
DEEP EXPERTISE
Multi-layer reviews with former USCIS advisors
Every case goes through a structured, multi-level review process by experienced immigration professionals. On select plans, petitions can be reviewed by former USCIS officers to pressure-test the petition before it’s filed.
Our clients love us because we genuinely want to help
B
balaji sb
9 reviews
Edited a month ago
I recently had my EB-1A petition approved, and I want to give Daniel the recognition he truly deserves. The petition process was intense and detail-heavy. We went through 17 rounds of revisions on the supporting brief and exhibit list — and through every single one, Daniel remained patient, professional, and genuinely receptive. He never made me feel like my feedback was too much. Every correction I raised was heard, considered, and incorporated thoughtfully.
V
Vivek Jain
Local Guide · 27 reviews · 43 photos
3 months ago
I had an excellent experience working with Manifest Law for my EB1A journey. From start to finish, their team was incredibly professional, organized, and deeply invested in my success. A special shoutout to Lahaina for her outstanding attention to detail, personalized guidance, and constant support at every step. She truly went above and beyond in shaping my profile. The team handled everything seamlessly—documentation, thorough reviews, expert letters.
A
Akshay Ram
1 review
2 months ago
I worked with Rami Lee from Manifest for my EB1 filing. She has a very high bar and is incredibly meticulous in collecting factual information as well as laying out the case. She is also a very strong writer. I highly recommend her and her wealth of knowledge is evident from the first time you meet her.
P
Prashanth Bhasker
3 reviews
3 months ago
I hired Manifest Law and Attorney Jason Johnson for my EB-1A petition. Jason provided excellent guidance throughout the entire process, including a strong and effective response to the RFE. Jason was professional, responsive, and helped me present my case clearly. The petition was ultimately approved after RFE. Jason and the team’s experience and strategy made a big difference. I highly recommend Manifest Law.
A
Anil Bayya
1 review
8 months ago
I recently worked with Gregory Boult from Manifest Law for my EB-1A extraordinary ability petition, and I wanted to share my experience since I know how stressful this process can be. Gregory was extremely professional, knowledgeable, and detail-oriented. He took time to understand my work in the tech industry and built the case around my key strengths — publications, original contributions, peer reviews, and critical role at a Fortune 500 company.
Individual results vary. Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes in future cases
A few minutes tells you whether the EB-1A is a fit, and what taking control could look like. No commitment.
Prior approvals do not guarantee similar outcomes.
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.