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:

1. Persons of extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics.
2. Outstanding professors and researchers who can demonstrate international recognition for achievements in their academic field.
3. 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:

1. They have won a lesser known national or international prize for excellence in their field.
2. They belong to a professional association that requires “outstanding achievement” in their field to join.
3. They have had material about their work published in a professional or major trade publication.
4. They have previously been asked to judge the work of others in their field.
5. They have made original contributions of “major significance” to their field.
6. They have authored scholarly articles for professional or trade publications in their field or other major media.
7. Their work has been displayed at an artistic exhibition or showcase.
8. They have played a leading or critical role in one or more distinguished organizations within their field.
9. They can prove they have commanded a high salary or compensation relative to others in their field.
10. 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.

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