EB-1 Visas: An Overview

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). 

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 $700.
• 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 $1,140.
• 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 $575.
• 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 $410.
• 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.

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.