EB-1 Visas: An Overview

The series of EB-1 visas are Employment-Based First Preference permanent residency U.S. visas, also known as green cards, allow the holder to reside in the United States permanently. There are three EB-1 visa types for individuals with a high level of achievement in one of three broad areas.

• EB-1A visa: Extraordinary Ability green card.
• EB-1B visa: Outstanding Professor or Researcher green card.
• EB-1C visa: Managers or Executives of multinational companies.

All the EB-1 visas are highly desirable and require a strong case to pass the rigors of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

The Complete Guide: How to Master the EB-1 Green Card Process

EB-1A Green Card: Extraordinary Ability Visa

The EB-1A is an option for foreign nationals who can demonstrate extraordinary ability in their field of science, arts, education, business, or sports. Evidence of extraordinary ability is typically proof of “sustained national or international acclaim.”

EB-1B Green Card: Outstanding Professor or Researcher Visa

Professors or researchers have to show proof of international recognition for outstanding performance in their academic field, have a minimum of three years of experience in teaching or research in that same area, and apply for an academic position.

EB-1C Green Card: Multinational Executive or Manager Visa

The EB-1C is for managers or executives of multinational companies. It can often grant immediate permanent residency to the applicant’s spouse and any unmarried minor children.

OnlineVisas CEO and Lead Immigration Attorney Jon Velie explains the five critical components of the EB-1 green card and O-1 visas (temporary visa equivalent of the EB-1).

Why Choose an EB-1 Green Card?

For those who qualify, the EB-1 is the most advantageous employment-based green card category:

• No PERM labor certification. Unlike the EB-2 and EB-3, EB-1 petitions skip the lengthy Department of Labor PERM process, saving many months.
• Self-petition option. Individuals with extraordinary ability can file their own EB-1A petition — no employer sponsor or job offer required.
• Faster priority dates. As a first-preference category, the EB-1 is current or nearly current for most countries, meaning less time waiting for a visa number.
• Premium processing available. Form I-140 can be filed with premium processing for a 15-business-day decision.
• Family included. A spouse and unmarried children under 21 can obtain green cards as derivatives.

EB-1A vs. EB-1B vs. EB-1C at a Glance

| | EB-1A | EB-1B | EB-1C | |---|---|---|---| | Best for | Extraordinary ability (sciences, arts, education, business, athletics) | Outstanding professors & researchers | Multinational managers & executives | | Who petitions | Self-petition or employer | Employer (university / research institution) | Employer (U.S. company) | | Job offer required | No | Yes (permanent research or teaching role) | Yes | | PERM labor certification | No | No | No | | Core requirement | Sustained national/international acclaim — meet 3 of 10 criteria, or hold a one-time major award | International recognition + at least 3 years' teaching/research experience | 1 of the last 3 years as a manager or executive abroad with a qualifying multinational employer |

The Most Common EB-1 Fees and Their Associated Costs

• Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers: This is the main form for EB-1 visa applicants, which an employer uses to petition for an alien worker to become a permanent resident in the United States. The fee for Form I-140 is $715 (employers also pay a separate $600 Asylum Program Fee).
• Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status: This form is used when an applicant is already in the U.S. and wishes to adjust their status to a permanent resident. The fee for Form I-485 is $1,440.
• Form I-131, Application for Travel Document: This form is required if the applicant needs to travel outside of the U.S. while their I-485 form is still being processed. The cost for Form I-131 is $630.
• Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization: This form is required if the applicant needs to work in the U.S. while their I-485 form is being processed. The cost for Form I-765 is $520 ($470 filed online), or $260 when filed together with Form I-485.
• Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record: This form is necessary to prove that the applicant is not inadmissible to the U.S. on public health grounds. There’s no filing fee for Form I-693, but the cost of the medical examination can vary.

USCIS filing fees are current as of July 2026; always confirm the latest amounts on the USCIS fee schedule.

Beyond these costs, applicants may also incur additional expenses such as travel to the U.S. embassy or consulate, document translation fees, and costs associated with gathering necessary supporting documents like copies of their passport, birth certificate, or marriage certificate. The total cost of an EB-1 visa application can vary greatly depending on the individual’s circumstances, but the applicant should expect to pay at least several hundred to a few thousand dollars in application fees and other related costs.

The Five Types of Employment-Based (EB) Visas/Green Cards

If you are a business professional, check out Jon’s 10-minute video: “O-1/EB-1 for Business Professionals and Entrepreneurs”

Frequently Asked Questions