San Antonio EB-1A Visa Lawyer
For a small subset of foreign nationals who possess extraordinary ability in the arts, sciences, business, education, or athletics, the United States offers a special type of Green Card known as the EB-1A visa. This is one of the only work visas available in the United States that do not require an employer sponsor. That means that a person eligible for the EB-1A visa can self-petition even if they do not currently have a job offer of PERM labor certification.
If you want to know more about this visa and whether you qualify, it is best to speak with an experienced San Antonio EB-1A visa lawyer who can guide you through the application process. At BBA Immigration we handle a wide range of United States visa applications on behalf of foreign nationals and employers. We can review your situation and help you determine if the EB-1A visa is the best option for you and your family.
Visas for Persons of International Recognition and Extraordinary Ability
The EB-1A classification is known as an “employment-based, first-preference visa.” It is only available to foreign nationals who belong to one of the following three categories:
- Persons of extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics.
- Outstanding professors and researchers who can demonstrate international recognition for achievements in their academic field.
- Certain managers or executives of multinational employers.
With respect to “extraordinary ability,” a person can qualify for an EB-1A visa if they have won a single major internationally recognized award in their field–such as a Grammy or a Nobel Prize–or they provide evidence that meets at least 3 of the following 10 criteria:
- They have won a lesser known national or international prize for excellence in their field.
- They belong to a professional association that requires “outstanding achievement” in their field to join.
- They have had material about their work published in a professional or major trade publication.
- They have previously been asked to judge the work of others in their field.
- They have made original contributions of “major significance” to their field.
- They have authored scholarly articles for professional or trade publications in their field or other major media.
- Their work has been displayed at an artistic exhibition or showcase.
- They have played a leading or critical role in one or more distinguished organizations within their field.
- They can prove they have commanded a high salary or compensation relative to others in their field.
- They have a record of commercial success in the performing arts.
Contact BBA Immigration Today
Because of the amount of documentation that is typically necessary to prove extraordinary ability, the EB-1A visa application process is often more complex than people initially realize. This is one reason it is always a good idea to work with a qualified San Antonio EB-1A visa lawyer who can walk you through each step of the process. Contact BBA Immigration today to schedule an initial consultation with a member of our immigration team.
