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Build your EB-1A extraordinary ability application

Turn your record of achievement into an organized petition. Explore the forms and evidence for EB-1A, then find the next steps for applying for a green card inside or outside the United States.

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FIND YOUR PATH

Who is this case for?

People with extraordinary ability in their field

For individuals in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics with sustained national or international acclaim. EB-1A allows self-petitioning without an employer sponsor, job offer, or PERM labor certification.

YOUR PAPERWORK, ORGANIZED

Forms Included in this Application

Start with the petition. The green card forms depend on your location, eligibility, and visa availability; not every form below applies to every applicant.

Phase 1: EB-1A petition

  • Required

    I-140

    Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers. File under the extraordinary ability classification; you may petition for yourself.

    Open Fillvisa I-140
  • Required

    Supporting evidence

    Document your achievements, sustained acclaim, and plans to continue working in your field in the United States. Organize evidence against the applicable criteria.

    Review EB-1A evidence guidance
  • Optional

    I-907

    Request premium processing for an eligible I-140 petition. This is a separate request and fee; it does not guarantee approval or make a visa number available.

    Open Fillvisa I-907
  • If represented

    G-28

    Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative, completed with your legal representative.

    Open Fillvisa G-28

Phase 2: Choose your green card path

Inside the United States: Adjustment of status

You must be eligible to adjust status and have a visa available under the applicable USCIS filing chart. Concurrent filing with I-140 may be possible. An approved I-140 alone does not grant immigration status or work authorization.

  • If adjusting status

    I-485

    Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. Each eligible accompanying family member needs a separate application.

    Open Fillvisa I-485
  • Generally required

    I-693

    Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, completed by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon. Follow current submission instructions.

    View USCIS I-693 instructions
  • Optional

    I-765

    Apply for employment authorization based on a pending adjustment application, if eligible.

    Open Fillvisa I-765
  • Optional

    I-131

    Apply for advance parole if eligible. Review travel restrictions before leaving the United States while adjustment is pending.

    View USCIS I-131 instructions

EB-1A applicants do not need I-485 Supplement J because this category does not require a job offer. Follow the I-485 instructions for financial-support requirements; I-864 is not ordinarily part of a self-petitioned EB-1A case.

Outside the United States: Consular processing

After petition approval, follow National Visa Center instructions as your case becomes eligible for processing. Visa availability also affects interview scheduling and issuance.

  • Required for this path

    DS-260

    Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application. Complete online when instructed by the National Visa Center; each immigrating family member applies separately.

    Open Department of State DS-260
  • Required for this path

    Civil documents

    Gather passports, birth certificates, police certificates when required, and other documents requested by the National Visa Center and consulate.

    Review civil document requirements
  • Required for this path

    Medical exam and interview

    Follow your embassy or consulate instructions for a panel physician exam and visa interview. This is different from the U.S. adjustment-of-status I-693 process.

    Review interview preparation

Supporting filing forms

  • If applicable

    G-1450

    Authorize credit card payment for an eligible USCIS paper filing. Use the payment method accepted for your filing.

    Open Fillvisa G-1450
  • If applicable

    G-1650

    Authorize ACH payment for an eligible USCIS paper filing. Use this only when applicable; you do not need both payment authorizations.

    Open Fillvisa G-1650
  • Optional

    G-1145

    Request acceptance notifications for eligible filings at a USCIS lockbox. Check the filing location and instructions first.

    Open Fillvisa G-1145

Check current form editions, fees, filing addresses, and payment requirements before submitting. Each form and family member may have separate fees and evidence requirements. USCIS and Department of State links open official instructions where a Fillvisa tool is unavailable.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Basic Eligibility Requirements

EB-1A evaluates both the types of evidence you submit and the strength of your overall record.

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  • Sustained acclaim

    Show sustained national or international acclaim and recognition for achievements in your field, with expertise placing you among the small percentage at the very top.

  • Qualifying evidence

    Provide a major internationally recognized award or evidence meeting at least three of the ten regulatory criteria. Comparable evidence may apply where the criteria do not readily fit your occupation.

  • A strong overall record

    Meeting three criteria does not automatically establish eligibility. USCIS also evaluates the evidence as a whole in a final merits determination.

  • Continue work in your field

    Demonstrate plans to continue working in your area of expertise in the United States and that your entry will substantially benefit the country prospectively.

Official guidance: USCIS extraordinary ability policy · I-140 instructions · Employment-based immigrant visas · Adjustment filing charts. Fillvisa provides form tools and general information, not legal advice.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP

Getting Started

Prepare your petition and evidence together. Filling out I-140 is one part of an EB-1A case; the supporting record is central to demonstrating eligibility.

Start Form I-140
  1. 1

    Map your evidence

    Review the USCIS criteria and organize relevant awards, publications, judging work, contributions, leading roles, and other qualifying achievements.

  2. 2

    Prepare your petition

    Complete I-140, assemble a clearly organized evidence package, and check whether representation or premium processing is appropriate for your case.

  3. 3

    Plan the green card stage

    Check visa availability and your eligibility for adjustment of status or consular processing. Include separate plans and applications for eligible spouses and unmarried children under 21.