EB-1A GREEN CARD · EXTRAORDINARY ABILITY
Be more flexible. Have less time pressure. Don’t be controlled by your employer. Get a green card faster. The EB-1A is a fast-track for those at the top of their field.
Almost everything in your career responds to effort and skill, but not immigration.
H-1B and the green card lottery are defaults — what your employer files, what your classmates did. They work off a standardized lottery for everyone, and 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.
The EB-1A Green Card is awarded based on positioning and 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 job offer or 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?”
THE EB-1A HAS BEEN APPROVED FOR
Startup founders and business leaders
Software engineers, designers, and product leaders
Researchers, PhDs, and academics
Executives and specialists
Athletes and coaches
Musicians, filmmakers, and actors
Social-media creators
And less obvious roles, like pilots and senior clinical social workers
Qualifying is less random and more achievable than you may 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, alone or on a panel
5
Original contributions of major significance in your field
6
Authorship of scholarly articles in your field
7
A critical or essential role for organizations with a distinguished reputation
8
A high salary or other high pay compared to others in your field
9
Your work has been showcased publicly, ex. exhibitions or performances
10
You’ve had commercial success in the performing arts
What if you don’t exactly match the written criteria?
If a criterion does not fit your occupation, the rules allow you to submit comparable evidence instead. Some examples include:
Open source work, whitepapers, or patent filings, in place of “scholarly articles”
Startup founders with evidence of equity or funding in place of “high salary.”
Judging and review in other ways like conferences and grants, instead of just a “panel”
Critical role for non-traditional organizations instead of just for “distinguished organizations”
How does the EB-1A compare to other options?
If you qualify, EB-1A’s are faster, more flexible, and more in your control. You don’t need a job offer or employer sponsor to qualify — all you need is your existing accomplishments.
Time to result
2 to 8 months
1 year to 12+ years, depending on nationality
2 to 3 years
Time limit
Limited to 6 years
Leads to permanent residency
Leads to permanent residency
Limits
Limited slots, awarded by lottery
~140,000 slots worldwide, awarded by random draw
No limit, no lottery; apply any time
Who can sponsor you
A single employer only
Requires employer sponsorship
No sponsorship required
Changing jobs
Tied to your sponsoring employer
Depends on PERM status
No limits - move between employers or projects
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
Confirm EB-1A eligibility & prep evidence.
Confirm the EB-1A self-petition track fits your profile and assemble strong proof of impact and recognition.
02
File Form I-140.
You file the EB-1A petition yourself — no employer or job offer required.
03
If approved, get your priority date.
Track the Visa Bulletin. If a visa number is current, you can move to the Green Card application stage.
04
Apply for the Green Card.
Inside the U.S.: File Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status).
Outside the U.S.: Complete DS-260 (Consular Processing) via the NVC.
Concurrent filing: If your category is current, you may file I-140 and I-485 together (when eligible).
05
Biometrics & medical.
Attend fingerprinting, submit Form I-693 medical, and respond to any RFEs.
06
Interview & decision.
Attend the USCIS or consular interview. If approved, you receive your Green Card (and qualifying family members receive theirs as derivatives).
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.
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.
THOUGHTFUL PRICING
No Billable Hour, Money-Back Guarantee Available
The billable hour is archaic and unfair, but all too common. So we got rid of it. If your case is not approved, we stand behind our work with a money-back guarantee. Meaning you get to file with peace of mind.
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 ex 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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
A few minutes tells you whether the EB-1A is a fit, and what taking control could look like. No commitment.