Most Brazilians in the U.S. believe that, in order to obtain a green card, they need an employer to sponsor them, a U.S. family member, or a million-dollar investment. However, there is a fourth option, and it is one of the most strategic: the EB-1A, the green card for professionals with extraordinary ability.
No job offer, no sponsor, and no PERM. In other words, you file your own petition based on your professional achievements.
But what does USCIS consider “extraordinary ability”? Do you have to be world-famous? No.
WHAT IS THE EB-1A?
The EB-1A (Employment-Based First Preference — Extraordinary Ability) is a green card category for individuals who demonstrate extraordinary ability in their professional field in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics.
KEY BENEFITS:
- Self-Petition: You file the application yourself, without needing an employer or sponsor
- Without PERM: No labor certification required
- No job offer
- Processing Priority
- Inclusive family
WHAT DOES “EXTRAORDINARY ABILITY” MEAN TO USCIS?
Here’s the part that surprises a lot of people: USCIS doesn’t require you to be world-famous. In fact, “extraordinary ability” means that you are among the few professionals who have reached the top of your field.
HOW DO YOU QUALIFY FOR THE EB-1A?
You must meet one of the following two criteria:
CRITERION 1: A HIGHLY PRESTIGIOUS INTERNATIONAL AWARD
Like the Nobel Prize, the Oscars, or the Olympics.
CRITERION 2: AT LEAST 3 OF THE 10 USCIS CRITERIA
In practice, this is the most common approach.
EB-1A CRITERIA
- Awards and Recognition
- Membership in selective associations
- Publications about you
- Judging other professionals
- Significant contributions
- Published articles
- Work Exhibition
- Leadership role
- High compensation
- Commercial success
Meeting all three criteria does not guarantee approval. In addition, USCIS evaluates the application as a whole.
WHO USUALLY QUALIFIES?
- Researchers
- Engineers
- Entrepreneurs
- Healthcare professionals
- Artists and creatives
- Consultants and educators
It’s worth remembering that recognition must come from outside the company, not just from the employer.
HOW DOES THE EB-1A PROCESS WORK?
STEPS:
- Profile Assessment
- Compiling the dossier
- Letters of recommendation
- I-140 Protocol
- Adjustment of status or consular process
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
- Premium Processing: 15 business days after submission
- Without premium: 6 to 12 months
Finally, the pass rate is about 67% in 2025.
WHY IS THE EB-1A A GOOD OPTION?
Unlike other visas:
- You are not dependent on an employer
- It doesn't depend on the lottery (H-1B)
- It doesn't depend on PERM
In other words, you build your own case.
WHY SHOULD YOU DO THIS WITH PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE?
A diferença entre aprovação e negação está na forma como o caso é apresentado. Portanto, não é só cumprir critérios, é estruturar evidências de forma estratégica.
CONCLUSION
The EB-1A is one of the pathways to permanent residency in the U.S. So, if you have recognized achievements in your field, a green card may be closer than you think.
The first step is a strategic assessment of your profile. So please contact our team: https://wa.me/5527981171717
