Glossary · Visa classifications
EB-1A (Extraordinary Ability)
Self-petitionable green card category for individuals at the top of their field.
INA §203(b)(1)(A). Self-petitionable — no employer sponsor needed. Requires evidence in at least 3 of 10 regulatory criteria (awards, memberships, published material about you, judging, original contributions, scholarly articles, exhibitions, leading/critical role, high salary, commercial success). India-born + China-born have shorter waits than EB-2/EB-3 but it's not unbacklogged. Common for laid-off researchers + senior engineers.
Sources & official references
- INA §203(b)(1)(A)— EB-1A extraordinary ability — self-petition pathway.
Related terms
EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver)
Self-petitionable EB-2 with the labor certification waived in the national interest.
I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker)
Employer-sponsored green-card petition. Once approved, it locks your priority date and unlocks 3-year H-1B extensions past the 6-year cap.
Priority date
The date your green card application 'started' — determines your wait under USCIS Visa Bulletin.
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