Green Card for Geniuses: Everything you need to know about the EB-1A visa

The EB-1A visa category is for individuals who particularly demonstrate extraordinary abilities in their respective fields. 

So, if you can provide evidence of your unique competencies and contributions towards; science, arts, education, business, or even athletics, then the EB-1A visa might be your key to unlock a U.S. green card. This article gives you an overview of the EB-1A visa.

The EB-1A visa, also known as the 'extraordinary ability' visa, is an employment-based green card option for foreign nationals who wish to work and settle within the U.S. by demonstrating sustained national or international acclaim in their field. 

This category falls under the EB-1 (First Preference) category for employment-based immigration, known for its relatively quick processing times compared to other green card options.

The core requirement for an EB-1A visa is establishing your extraordinary ability. 

The USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) outlines 10 criteria to assess this. 

The USCIS requires you to meet at least three of these criteria, but in practice, the more criteria you can match, the better it is.

Benefits
The EB-1A visa offers several advantages over other green card options for Indian nationals. Some of the key benefits are:

• You do not need a job offer or an employer to sponsor this visa. In other words, you can self-petition.
• You do not need a PERM labor certification. That is, you do not need to test the labor market to prove there is not an equally qualified, able, and willing U.S. worker.
• The processing time is faster.
• The wait time for a visa number is much less than that for the EB-2 and EB-3 categories. The EB-1A is backlogged by about 2 years at present, while the EB-2 and EB-3 categories are backlogged by decades.
• Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can also obtain green cards as dependents.

Application Process
The first step is to file for I-140 with all the supporting documents to prove extraordinary ability. 
The processing time for Form I-140, the first step of the EB-1 process, can be a few months, but with premium processing, it can be expedited.

If the applicant already lives in the U.S., the average wait time for an adjustment of status application (i.e., Form I-485) can be a few months.

If the applicant is applying from abroad via consular processing, his case will be transferred to the National Visa Center (NVC) for processing. 

The NVC will forward the petition to the nearest Embassy or Consulate, which will contact the applicant to arrange an in-person interview. 

The timeline for this process stage depends on where the applicant is based.

While there is no specific financial requirement, demonstrating sufficient funds to support yourself and family in the U.S. is important. 

The application process can be lengthy, so patience and persistence are key.

The EB-1A visa presents a compelling pathway for talented individuals to achieve their American dream. 

By understanding the requirements and demonstrating your exceptional abilities, you can unlock a world of opportunities in the United States. 

Remember, consulting an immigration attorney experienced in EB-1A visas can significantly enhance your chances of success.

Source : https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nri/migrate/green-card-for-geniuses-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-eb-1a-visa/articleshow/112221889.cms