How long does the process take?

With premium processing, USCIS issues an I-140 decision within 15 business days. From there, if you're adjusting status inside the U.S., the full green card timeline is typically 8–14 months. Right now, EB-1 priority dates are current for most countries — meaning there is no waitlist once your petition is approved.

What if I received an RFE or was denied before?

A prior denial or Request for Evidence is not the end. The most common reason petitions are denied is weak legal framing or insufficient evidence — both of which are solvable. We've successfully reversed denials and responded to RFEs for clients who came to us after being turned down elsewhere. The first step is understanding exactly why the prior case failed

Do I need an employer or job offer?

No. The EB-1A is one of the only green card pathways that allows you to self-petition — you file entirely on your own behalf. No employer sponsor. No labor certification. You can be employed, self-employed, or between roles. Once approved, you're free to work for any company, start a business, or change careers.

Can my family be included?

Yes. Your spouse and any unmarried children under 21 are included as derivative beneficiaries — they receive their green cards alongside you. Your spouse will also be eligible to apply for work authorization while the case is pending.

Immigration to the U.S. | Ballon Stoll P.C.

EMPLOYMENT - BASED IMMIGRATION

EB-1A Green Card

for Extraordinary

Ability

The EB-1A is a first-preference employment-based green card for individuals with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. No job offer required.

Check Your Eligibility

93%

Approval Rate

On EB-visas Green Card with Ballon Stoll P.C. in 2025

4k+

Green Cards Approved

Immigration visas, including EB-1A, EB-2 NIW, Asylum, Family-based, etc.

10k+

Resolved Cases

Including immigration, litigation, real estate, corporate, etc.

What is EB-1A?

The EB-1A is a category leading to a green card for individuals with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics.

It is one of the most sought-after immigration pathways because it doesn't require any employer sponsorship or a labor certification — you can file a petition on your own behalf.

No employer

File on your own behalf — no company sponsor needed, no dependence on an employer’s timeline.

No labor certification (PERM) required

Skip the lengthy PERM process and avoid years of waiting for Department of Labor approval.

No degree requirement

EB-1A is accessible to self-taught experts, practitioners, and innovators — formal credentials are not required to qualify.

Family included

Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can be included in your petition for permanent residency.

Premium processing available

You may request Premium Processing for the I-140 petition, which can result in a decision in as little as 15 days.

Favorable visa availability

For most countries, EB-1 offers favorable visa availability, allowing you to apply for a green card and get work and travel authorization while you wait.

Schedule a consultation

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EB-1A

EXTRAORDINARY ABILITY

For individuals who have achieved national or international acclaim in their field.

No job offer or employer sponsorship required.
Must show evidence of extraordinary ability (e.g., major awards, publications, press, or industry recognition).
Available in the arts, sciences, business, education, and athletics.

EB-1B

OUTSTANDING PROFESSORS AND RESEARCHERS

For individuals with international recognition in academia and at least 3 years of teaching or research experience.

Requires a permanent job offer from a university or qualifying research institution
Must demonstrate achievements in your academic field
The petition is filed by the employer

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EB-1C

MULTINATIONAL MANAGERS OR EXECUTIVES

For managers and executives being transferred by a multinational company to lead operations at its U.S. affiliate, subsidiary, parent, or branch office.

Requires at least 1 year of managerial or executive experience abroad within the past 3 years
No PERM labor certification required
The petition is filed by the employer

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How We Prepare Your Case

Evaluation of your case and eligibility

We begin with an in-depth consultation, where our attorneys identify which of the USCIS criteria you meet and map out the strongest path forward for your specific field.

1

2

Custom evidence roadmap

We build a tailored checklist of every document, exhibit, and supporting material your petition requires — citation reports, media coverage, award records, and more.

3

USCIS filing

We handle the preparation of all required USCIS forms — I-140 (Immigrant petition), I-485 (Adjustment of Status), I-765 (Employment Authorization), I-131 (Travel Authorization)

4

Approval & green card

Once your I-140 is approved, we guide you through the final steps — adjustment of status or consular processing — until your green card is in hand. If USCIS issues a Request for Evidence (RFE), we prepare a strong response to it.

How We Prepare Your Case

Case evaluation
and strategy

Evidence
preparation

USCIS
filing

Approval and
Green card

We start with a detailed consultation, to review your background, assess your eligibility and create a strategy for your specific goals.

We help you gather and organize a compelling package of evidence, including supporting documents, expert letters, publications, media coverage, awards, and more.

We prepare and file all required forms, including I-140 (Immigrant Petition), I-485 (Adjustment of Status), I-765 (Employment Authorization),

I-131 (Travel Authorization)

Once your I-140 is approved, we guide you through the final steps — adjustment of status or consular processing — until your green card is in hand.

Our Immigration Attorneys

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What Clients Say

"I just recently successfully got my green card. All of this is inseparable from Ballon Stoll P.C. law firm. I really appreciate their help. If you need an immigration lawyer, I highly recommend their team. 5 stars services, the best!"

Meet Our Clients

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Professions we've helped earn EB-1A approval

Researchers & scientists

Engineers & technologists

Artists & designers

Academics & educators

Business executives

Founders & entrepreneurs

Athletes & coaches

Finance professionals

Physicians

Journalists & authors

Managers

Marketing strategists

Food Professionals

& many more

Let’s Answer Your Questions

"Extraordinary ability" is a legal standard, not a measure of fame. It means your work has been recognized above others in your field — through awards, published research, media coverage, a high salary, a leadership role, or being asked to judge others' work. You need to meet just 3 of 10 criteria set by USCIS. Many professionals who don't think they qualify, do. The best way to find out is a consultation — we've assessed hundreds of profiles and will give you an honest answer.

The majority of our EB-1A clients are based outside New York — across the U.S. and around the world. Immigration is a matter of federal law, which means we can represent you regardless of where you live. Consultations, document review, and the entire preparation process can be handled seamlessly online.That said, if you're in New York or visiting, feel free to schedule an appointment to visit our office at 1675 Broadway.

Get to Know Us

Important Updates from USCIS

We would like to inform you of significant changes that will impact immigration applications and petitions. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has published its final rule on fee adjustments, marking the first major revision since 2016. These changes are set to address the agency's operational and financial challenges and will take effect on April 1, 2024. Applications postmarked after this date will be subject to the new, increased fees.

Our Clients' Approvals

More Immigration Options

EB-2 NIW

For professionals whose work benefits the U.S. nationally. No employer sponsor needed — you self-petition by demonstrating your work serves the national interest.

EB-3 — Employer Visa

We advise clients across immigration, corporate, real estate, litigation, tax, trusts and estates, arbitration, bankruptcy, and more.

EB-5 — Investor Visa

For foreign nationals who invest a minimum of $800,000–$1,050,000 in a U.S. business. A direct path to a green card through investment — no employer, no job offer required.

What is EB-1A?