Complete Guide to EB1 Visa Requirements: What You Need to Know in 2025

Oct 2

If you’re thinking about applying for an EB1 visa, you’re probably wondering what it really takes to qualify. The EB1 is one of the fastest paths to a green card for people who’ve excelled in their fields or who hold important executive roles in multinational companies. But the categories and requirements can feel overwhelming if you don’t know where to start.

This guide breaks down the EB1 visa requirements, including the three main subcategories (EB1A, EB1B, and EB1C), what evidence you’ll need, and how the application process works in 2025. By the end, you’ll understand whether you’re a good fit and what the next steps look like.

What Are the Three Main Categories of EB1 Visas?

The EB1 green card requirements differ depending on which of the three subcategories you qualify under:

EB1A visa requirements (Extraordinary Ability) – Individuals who have achieved sustained national or international acclaim in fields such as business, arts, sciences, athletics, or education. Self-petitioning is allowed.
EB1B visa requirements (Outstanding Professors and Researchers) – Scholars and researchers with international recognition, requiring employer sponsorship.
EB1C visa requirements (Multinational Executives and Managers) – Senior leaders of multinational companies transferring to a U.S. entity in an executive or managerial.

EB1A Visa Requirements: Extraordinary Ability and Self-Petition

If you’ve reached the top of your field, the EB1A category may be right for you. This path is unique because you don’t need an employer to petition for you—you can apply on your own.

To qualify, you must either:

Win a major internationally recognized award (like a Nobel Prize or Olympic medal), or
Provide at least three types of evidence from the USCIS criteria, such as:

Awards or prizes for excellence
Membership in organizations requiring outstanding achievements
Articles or media coverage highlighting your work
Judging the work of others in your field
Original contributions of major significance
Authorship of scholarly articles
Public exhibitions of your work
High salary compared to peers in your field
Commercial success in the performing arts

Applicants must also show they plan to continue working in their field in the U.S.

EB1B Visa Requirements: Outstanding Professors and Researchers

The EB1B visa requirements apply to internationally recognized professors and researchers. This path requires an employer sponsor, typically a university or research institution, offering a permanent role.

To qualify, you need:

At least two years of teaching or research experience in your academic field
Evidence of international recognition through publications, awards, original research, scholarly articles, or serving as a peer reviewer

Your employer must file the petition on your behalf.

EB1C Visa Requirements: Multinational Executives and Managers

The EB1C visa requirements are designed for senior executives and managers working for multinational companies.

To qualify, you must show:

At least one year of employment abroad in the last three years with a qualifying foreign company
The U.S. employer is related to that company (parent, subsidiary, or affiliate)
You will continue in a managerial or executive role in the U.S.
The U.S. company is actively conducting business

Like EB1B, this category requires employer sponsorship and a permanent job offer.

EB1B vs. EB1A – Key Differences

While both categories recognize exceptional ability, they differ significantly:

Sponsorship – EB1A allows self-petition; EB1B requires employer sponsorship.
Scope – EB1A covers all fields (arts, business, sciences, athletics, etc.); EB1B is limited to academia and research.
Experience – EB1B requires at least two years of research/teaching; EB1A focuses more on personal accomplishments and recognition.
Evidence – Both require strong documentation, but EB1B emphasizes scholarly achievements and reputation in academia.

What’s the EB1 Green Card Application Process Like?

The EB1 green card requirements are only the first step. Here’s how the process works:

Step 1: Determine Eligibility
Confirm whether you qualify under EB1A, EB1B, or EB1C.

Step 2: File Form I-140

EB1A: You may self-petition.
EB1B/EB1C: Your employer must file.

Step 3: Check the Visa Bulletin
EB1 priority dates are usually current, meaning little or no backlog. Always confirm your category’s status.

Step 4: Apply for Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing

If in the U.S., file Form I-485 to adjust status when eligible.
If abroad, complete consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

Step 5: Submit Supporting Documentation
This may include birth certificates, medical exams, immigration status records, and extensive evidence of qualifications.

Step 6: USCIS Review
USCIS may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) or approve the case directly.

Bottom Line

The EB1 visa requirements create a unique opportunity for high-achieving individuals, scholars, and executives to fast-track permanent residency in the U.S.

Whether through the EB1A visa requirements for extraordinary ability, the EB1B visa requirements for outstanding professors and researchers, or the EB1C visa requirements for multinational executives, each path offers a direct route to a green card without the lengthy labor certification process.

The requirements can feel overwhelming, but breaking them down step by step makes them manageable. If you’re considering an EB1 petition, our team can help evaluate your eligibility, gather the strongest evidence, and guide you through every step of the process.

Ready to explore whether you qualify?

Hudaidah Bhimdi