Short answer: US EB-1A requires no employer sponsorship or investment. You must show sustained national or international acclaim in your field and meet at least three of the ten statutory criteria (or equivalent evidence). I-140 can use premium processing.
Updated as of October 2026
Does EB-1A need an employer or investment?
No. EB-1A centres on personal achievement.
What do the ten criteria cover?
| Direction | Examples |
|---|---|
| Awards and media | Major awards, professional press |
| Original contributions | Work of major significance in the field |
| Membership and judging | Associations requiring outstanding achievement, peer review |
| High salary and exhibitions | Comparatively high pay, exhibitions or commercial success |
Quality outweighs quantity. See US EB-1A.
Our practical observations
We serve families across the region; applications are handled by our internal professional immigration team. A common issue is treating “senior” as “extraordinary,” or stacking certificates without comparative impact. Deepen the strongest three to five criteria rather than spreading effort across all ten.
FAQ
Can physicians file EB-1A?
Yes, if research, clinical contribution or peer recognition maps to the criteria.
Can I-140 be premium processed?
Yes — typically a decision within about 15 days.
Can the family be included?
Spouse and eligible children can usually file together.
How to choose versus NIW?
Strong extraordinary evidence favours EB-1A; a clear national-interest narrative may fit NIW.
To assess whether your profile approaches EB-1A, use the Programme Finder or contact our team.
Sources
- USCIS EB-1A regulations