EB-1 Visa Attorney in Los Angeles, California

In over three decades of experience as an immigration attorney, I’ve had the privilege of guiding countless individuals and families through the complexities of U.S. immigration law. Among the many ways available for successful and ambitious immigrants to come to the U.S., the EB-1 visa is a popular choice. 

My firm is committed to providing personal attention and crafting creative solutions for my clients, including those looking to apply for the highly competitive EB-1 visa. I work with clients in Los Angeles, Burbank, Inglewood, Glendale, Pasadena, and throughout Los Angeles County, Orange County, Riverside County, and San Diego County. 

The EB-1 visa category is reserved for the extraordinary; people who have risen to the peak of their field of endeavor. Today, I want to walk you through what an EB-1 visa entails, who is eligible to apply, and how you can submit a compelling application.

Understanding the EB-1 Visa

The EB-1 visa is a first-preference employment-based petition for Permanent Residency (Green Card) in the United States. It is designed for distinguished individuals who possess extraordinary ability in their field, outstanding professors and researchers, or certain multinational executives and managers. 

The beauty of the EB-1 category lies in its advantages: there's no labor certification required, and visa numbers are typically available immediately, or faster than for other employment-based categories, thus avoiding long waiting periods. This makes the EB-1 an attractive route for those who qualify. 

The EB-1 visa application process is multifaceted, starting with the filing of Form I-140, Petition for Alien Worker, with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Applicants must provide detailed documentation to prove eligibility, with those applying under the extraordinary ability category needing to demonstrate significant achievements or meet three of ten USCIS criteria.  

Following Form I-140 approval (or, if visas are available, concurrently with the I-140 filing), applicants in the U.S. can seek adjustment of status, while those abroad undergo consular processing. Despite offering a faster route to permanent residency, the EB-1 visa demands high standards and a strategic application approach, often requiring the assistance of an experienced immigration attorney to meet the complex requirements and maximize the chances of approval. 

Categories Within EB-1 Visas

1. Extraordinary Ability (EB-1A): For individuals who have demonstrated exceptional talent in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, through sustained national or international acclaim. No offer of employment is required, and applicants can petition for themselves.  This category has many similarities to the O-1A/O-1B "Extraordinary Ability or Achievement" nonimmigrant category, but it also has significant differences, and USCIS scrutiizes EB-1A more strictly than it does O-1A/O-1B. Having received prior O-1 approval is no guarantee of EB-1A approval. In addition, however, prior O-1 approval is not a necessary prequisite to an EB-1A approval.

2. Outstanding Professors and Researchers (EB-1B): Aimed at recognized academics with at least three years of experience, looking to move to the U.S. for tenure or tenure-track teaching or comparable research positions at a university or other institution of higher education. 

3. Multinational Manager or Executive (EB-1C): This category is reserved for managers or executives transferring to the U.S. to continue working for the same employer or its affiliate or subsidiary.  It has many similarities to the L-1A "Intracompany Transferee" nonimmigrant category, but a few significant differences, as well. While most EB-1C applicants start as L-1A nonimmigrants, there is no requirement to have received an L-1A approval to qualify for EB-1C.

Are You the Right Fit for an EB-1 Visa?

To be the right fit for an EB-1 visa, it's not enough to merely be good at what you do; you must stand out in your accomplishments and recognition. For EB-1A applicants, this may mean evidence of international awards, publications in prestigious journals, recognition of significant contributions to your field, high remuneration compared to others, membvership in organizations that require special achievement for membership, and so forth. For EB-1B and EB-1C, a strong professional background supported by documentation of your success and impact in your arena is crucial. 

Crafting Your Application: Where Do You Start?

Your EB-1 visa application must be meticulously prepared to showcase your extraordinary abilities or achievements. Here’s where the personal attention and tailored legal strategies of my practice come into play. Together, we will: 

Assess your qualifications 

Not every successful individual in their field will qualify for an EB-1 visa. We start by evaluating your credentials against the stringent requirements of this visa category. 

Gather compelling evidence 

Building a case involves gathering substantial evidence to support your petition. This might include letters of recommendation from industry leaders, awards, media coverage, and proof of your contributions. 

Prepare your documentation 

Each piece of evidence must be carefully curated and presented cohesively to construct a compelling narrative about your qualifications. 

Address potential challenges 

With my experience, I can anticipate and strategize against possible hurdles in your application process to prepare for every eventuality. 

Seek Legal Help for Your EB–1 Visa Application

If you’re in Los Angeles, California, or surrounding areas, and believe you may be eligible for an EB-1 visa, I encourage you to reach out to my firm. My approach is hands-on, highly knowledgeable, and designed to cater to your unique situation. I will listen to your story and do my best to understand your goals, I will offer real support and guidance throughout this complex process.