EB-1 is the first preference category for U.S. employment-based immigration, designed for individuals with extraordinary abilities and achievements in their field. No labor certification (PERM) is required, and priority dates are typically current or have short wait times.
Current Priority Dates
Current bulletin dates
(EB1)Historical Trends
Visa Bulletin trends
09/2026
EB-1
Data provided byCareerEngineUS
Subcategories
EB-1A Extraordinary Ability
For individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics.
Requirements (must meet at least 3 of the following 10 criteria):
- Receipt of nationally or internationally recognized awards
- Membership in professional associations requiring outstanding achievements
- Published material about the applicant in professional or major media
- Participation as a judge of the work of others in the field
- Original contributions of major significance
- Authorship of scholarly articles
- Display of work at artistic exhibitions or showcases
- Performance of a leading or critical role in distinguished organizations
- High salary or remuneration
- Commercial success in the performing arts
Advantages:
- No employer sponsorship required - self-petition allowed
- No PERM labor certification needed
- Priority dates typically current or short
EB-1B Outstanding Professors and Researchers
For professors and researchers with outstanding achievements in their academic field.
Requirements:
- At least 3 years of teaching or research experience in the academic field
- International recognition for outstanding achievements in the field
- Permanent teaching or research position offered by U.S. employer
Must meet at least 2 of the following 6 criteria:
- Receipt of major awards or prizes
- Membership in professional associations
- Published material by others about the applicant's work
- Participation as a judge of others' work
- Original scientific or scholarly contributions
- Authorship of scholarly books or articles
EB-1C Multinational Managers and Executives
For managers and executives being transferred to the U.S. by multinational companies.
Requirements:
- Employed for at least 1 year within the past 3 years by a foreign affiliate
- Served in a managerial or executive capacity
- Coming to the U.S. to work for the same employer (or affiliate) in a managerial or executive role
Position Requirements:
- Manage an organization, department, or function
- Supervise and control the work of other managerial, supervisory, or professional employees
- Authority to hire and fire, or significant input on personnel decisions
Application Process
- Prepare Documentation: Gather evidence proving eligibility for the specific subcategory
- File I-140: Submit Form I-140 immigrant petition to USCIS
- Await Approval: USCIS processes the I-140 (premium processing available)
- Priority Date Current: Wait for your priority date to become current
- Green Card Application: File I-485 (if in U.S.) or consular processing (if abroad)