— Immigration· First Preference visa

"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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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 by phone, video, and email. That said, if you're in New York or visiting, you may visit our office at 1675 Broadway.