Free EB-1A Extraordinary Ability Case Evaluation

How to Complete the EB-1A Evaluation Form

Watch this short guide before completing the questionnaire so you can provide the most useful information and supporting details.

Before requesting an EB-1A evaluation

EB-1A is intended for individuals who can demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim and recognition in their field.

A petitioner may qualify through evidence of a major internationally recognized achievement or by satisfying at least three of the evidentiary criteria listed in the immigration regulations. Meeting three criteria, however, does not automatically establish eligibility. USCIS also reviews the evidence as a whole to determine whether the applicant has risen to the top of the field.

A meaningful evaluation requires specific, verifiable evidence rather than general descriptions of talent or experience. Please provide as much detail as possible about your achievements, the significance of your work, and how others in your field have recognized or relied upon your contributions.

Information That Can Help Us Evaluate Your Case

Please be prepared to provide information about any of the following that apply to your background:

• Nationally or internationally recognized awards
• Published material about you or your work
• Scholarly articles, professional publications, or citation history
• Original scientific, scholarly, artistic, athletic, or business contributions
• Service as a judge, reviewer, or evaluator of the work of others
• Memberships requiring outstanding achievement
• Leading or critical roles for distinguished organizations
• High compensation compared with others in your field
• Artistic exhibitions, performances, or commercial success
• Patents, products, projects, or innovations with documented impact
• Media coverage or recognition by independent organizations
• Other comparable evidence relevant to your profession

You do not need to satisfy every category. The strength, quality, independence, and overall significance of the evidence are more important than the number of documents submitted.

What happens after submission

Our team will review the information you provide. Depending on the apparent strength and completeness of your profile, we may:

• Request additional information or supporting documents
• Invite you to schedule a consultation
• Explain that the case does not presently appear ready
• Suggest areas in which additional evidence may strengthen a future filing
• Recommend another immigration category that may be more appropriate

Submitting the form does not create an attorney-client relationship. An attorney-client relationship begins only after the firm agrees to accept the matter and both parties sign a written engagement agreement.

Documents to Prepare for an EB-1A Consultation

If you are invited to schedule a consultation, it may be helpful to prepare:

• A current résumé or curriculum vitae
• Copies of awards and recognition
• Publications and citation information
• Media articles or interviews about you or your work
• Patents or evidence of original contributions
• Evidence of judging or peer-review activity
• Membership documentation
• Evidence of leading or critical roles
• Compensation records or industry salary comparisons
• Recommendation letters already obtained
• Evidence showing how your work has influenced your field
• A summary of your proposed work in the United States

The strongest evidence usually comes from objective and independent sources.

The EB-1A Evaluation Process

Our preliminary evaluation generally follows these steps:

1. You complete the online questionnaire.
2. You identify your strongest achievements and supporting evidence.
3. Our team reviews the information provided.
4. We assess which EB-1A criteria may be supported.
5. We consider the overall strength of the evidence.
6. Qualified prospects may be invited to schedule a consultation.
7. If the firm accepts the case and is retained, the legal team develops a filing strategy and evidence plan.

Factors That May Strengthen an EB-1A Case

Factors that may strengthen a case include:

• Sustained recognition over time
• Objective evidence from independent sources
• Significant awards or documented professional honors
• Influential original contributions
• Strong publication or citation records
• Judging or peer-review experience
• Leading or critical roles for respected organizations
• High compensation compared with others in the field
• Media coverage focused on the applicant’s work
• Evidence that others have adopted, relied upon, or benefited from the applicant’s contributions

No single factor guarantees approval.

Factors That May Weaken an EB-1A Case

Factors that may weaken a case include:

• Achievements described without supporting documentation
• Recognition limited primarily to an employer or close professional circle
• Recommendation letters that are vague or unsupported
• Limited evidence that original work had influence or significance
• Publications with little evidence of impact
• Inconsistencies between the claimed field and the submitted evidence
• Evidence that satisfies individual criteria only technically
• Limited proof of sustained national or international acclaim

A case may still become stronger over time as additional achievements and objective evidence develop.

Final Word on the EB1 Evaluation Process

Your EB-1 visa journey is about more than just moving to the United States. It’s about recognizing your extraordinary potential and finding a pathway to continue your professional excellence.

You’ve got something special. The question is: are you ready to prove it?

EB1A Self-Assessment

In addition to using our EB1 Free Evaluation form, we also suggest that you follow this link to get an idea of what USCIS is looking for in an EB1A petition: USCIS EB1A RFE Template. Before you fill out our EB1 free evaluation form, knowing what USCIS is looking for can help you better help us.

EB1A Official Government Resources

USCIS EB1A Page – (Employment-Based Immigration: First Preference EB-1 | USCIS) – The USCIS EB1A page provides official guidelines on the Employment-Based First Preference (EB-1A) visa for individuals with extraordinary ability. It details eligibility criteria, required evidence, petition procedures, and processing timelines. Applicants can find key information on sustaining national interest claims, premium processing, and USCIS adjudication trends, making it a vital resource for EB1A petitioners.

Visa Bulletin Priority Dates (The Visa Bulletin) – The Visa Bulletin provides monthly updates on EB1A priority dates, determining when applicants can file Adjustment of Status or receive green card approvals. Published by the U.S. Department of State, it tracks visa availability based on country-specific demand. Staying updated on the Visa Bulletin helps EB1A applicants plan their immigration timeline effectively.

Electronic Form Filing (I-140, I-485, etc.) (All Forms | USCIS) – The USCIS Electronic Form Filing system allows EB1A applicants to submit key forms like I-140 (Immigrant Petition), I-485 (Adjustment of Status), and related documents online. This platform streamlines processing, reduces paperwork, and provides real-time case tracking. Understanding electronic filing options helps EB1A applicants efficiently navigate the green card application process.

Useful EB1A Relevant Community & Forums

Reddit – EB1A Experiences & Advice (r/immigration & r/USCIS) – Reddit’s r/immigration and r/USCIS communities provide a platform for EB1A applicants to share their experiences, ask questions, and seek advice. Users discuss case timelines, RFEs, interview tips, and USCIS trends. With real-time updates and peer support, these subreddits offer valuable insights for those navigating the EB1A green card process.

Lawfully – Case Status Tracker & Discussion (Lawfully) – Lawfully is a case status tracker and discussion platform for EB1A and other immigration applicants. It provides real-time USCIS case updates, processing trends, and AI-powered predictions. Users can track their case progress, compare timelines, and engage in discussions with others navigating the immigration process, making it a valuable tool for EB1A applicants.

EB1A Case Law & Legal Precedents

USCIS AAO Decisions (Appeals on EB1A Cases) (AAO Decisions | USCIS) – USCIS Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) decisions provide insights into EB1A case appeals, offering precedent-setting rulings and detailed reasoning behind approvals or denials. Reviewing AAO decisions helps applicants understand common pitfalls, legal interpretations, and strategies for strengthening petitions. This resource is essential for those considering an appeal or seeking to refine their EB1A application.

U.S. Federal Court Immigration Cases – (Immigration Law: Information Institute) – The Legal Information Institute (LII) provides access to U.S. federal court decisions on immigration cases, including EB1A disputes. These rulings offer valuable legal precedents, insights into judicial interpretations of immigration laws, and strategies for challenging USCIS denials. Reviewing federal court cases helps applicants and attorneys strengthen their petitions and understand potential legal remedies.

Important Evaluation Notice

This evaluation is provided for preliminary screening purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Submission of the form does not guarantee that American Visa Law Group will accept the case or that USCIS will approve any petition. Eligibility depends on the specific facts, evidence, legal standards, and circumstances of each matter.