Exploring the EB-1A Visa: Extraordinary Ability Green Card
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You may be wondering if the EB-1A visa is the same as the O-1 visa since the major requirement should also possess an extraordinary ability. Yes, both of their requisites include extraordinary ability in specific fields. However, the EB-1A visa can let you stay in the United States permanently while the O-1 visa is only for temporary employment.
The EB-1A “Extraordinary Ability” Visa is an employment-based category visa that allows you to obtain your own green card without a job offer or a labor certification (PERM) which applies to aliens with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics.
We have different cases of individuals applying for an EB-1A visa which might be helpful to you if you are planning to get one.
Peyush Bansal, an Indian entrepreneur who is the CEO of Lenskart, is a great case study for a solid EB-1A applicant. Peyush co-founded Valyoo Technologies Pvt Limited (Lenskart) in 2010 which is an online wholesaler of luxury fashion accessories in India. In 2012, Lenskart won the Red Herring Top 100 Asia Award followed by the MarketingSherpa Email award in 2014. Lenskart also bagged the 2015 India TV Yuva Award in Business Cadre. In 2019, Bansal was also listed in Fortune India’s Best 40 under entrepreneur category. He is currently judging the India’s reality show, Shark Tank season 1. Bansal’s other entrepreneurial ventures include solving college students’ housing related problems through an online site called searchmycampus.com.
Another example would be Jonathan, an internationally famous painter from China who has built his career for over 20 years while living in France. He studied in one of the most prestigious universities in China and was sponsored by a French art academy to continue painting and teaching in Europe. Jonathan’s works are displayed at expensive homes and offices all over Western Europe. In spite of these achievements, Jonathan wants to come to the United States to further his career and open up his own art gallery.
To qualify for the EB-1A visa, the foreign national must meet at least three (3) of the ten (10) criteria listed here or provide proof of a major or internationally recognized award such as an Oscar, a Pulitzer, an Olympic Medal, etc.
Obtaining an EB-1A Visa is not easy and you must present a compelling case to USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) with substantial evidence to prove your extraordinary abilities. Therefore, it’s advisable to work with an experienced immigration attorney who can guide you through the application process and help you compile a strong and convincing petition.
If you believe you meet the criteria for an EB-1A visa, you can start by consulting with an immigration attorney and preparing the necessary documentation to support your claim of extraordinary ability in your field.
Schedule a consultation here.