EB-1A Extraordinary Ability Green Card

The EB-1A is an employment-based immigrant visa category that provides a direct path to permanent residency (a green card) for individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary ability in their field. This visa is particularly attractive to high-achieving professionals, artists, athletes, and entrepreneurs.

Key Benefits

No Job Offer or Employer Sponsorship Required

EB-1A is a self-petitioning category, meaning applicants do not need an offer of employment or employer

Freedom to Choose Projects or Start Businesses

Ideal for those seeking to pursue independent ventures or transition between employers.

Direct Path to Green Card

Bypasses the labor certification (PERM) process, expediting the green card timeline.

Priority Processing

Generally enjoys faster adjudication than other employment-based categories due to its top-tier preference classification.

Family Inclusion

Spouses and unmarried children under 21 can be included in the application and receive permanent residence.

No Degree Requirements

Demonstrated extraordinary ability in the field is sufficient; formal education is not mandatory.

Ideal Candidates

This visa is well-suited for:
Researchers
and Scientists
with significant publications, citations, or patents
Artists and Performers
with national
or international recognition.
Executives or Professionals
Who are in business
with critical roles in
successful organizations.
Entrepreneurs
and Innovators
with a record of impactful ventures or products.
Athletes and Coaches
who have competed
or contributed
at elite levels.

What you get with Trotter?

Free Entry Point Services
Tailored Discovery and Planning
Vet recommendation letters
Petition Assembly and Filing
Government Liaison Management
Interview Navigation Support
Response to Government Inquiries
Post-Filing and Long-Term Support
1

Initial free consultation

Evaluate if your achievements align with the "one-time achievement or 3/10 criteria" standard

2

Tailored Discovery and Planning

Fact-Finding Questionnaire

  • Detail on field, awards, citations, and memberships.

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Strategic Planning Framework

  • Align career narrative to EB-1A standards.
  • Map 10 criteria to available evidence.
  • Identify possible weak areas.
3

Vet recommendation letters

Document Matrix

  • Press, publications, judging roles, original contributions.

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Evidence Optimization Support

  • Vet recommendation letters.
  • Prioritize documentary proof based on impact.

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4

Petition Assembly and Filing

Petition Drafting

  • I-140 and detailed legal argument letter.

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Forms Suite Completion

  • All USCIS forms and supporting documentation.

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Execution & Submission

  • EB-1A petition filed with or without concurrent I-485.
5

Government Liaison Management

Agency Engagement Handling:

  • Direct communication with USCIS.

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Optional Fast-Track Filing:

  • Premium processing available.
6

Interview Navigation Support

Rare, but available if adjustment interview required.

7

Response to Government Inquiries

RFE Response Services

  • Legal response to pushback on acclaim, influence, or evidence sufficiency.
8

Post-Filing and Long-Term Support

Adjustment Guidance

  • I-485 and green card strategy.

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Career & Immigration Planning

  • Future-proofing your immigration path.

Relevant Forms

Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker

Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status

Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization (if applicable)

Form I-131, Application for Travel Document (if applicable)

Form I-907 premium processing

Not Sure Which Program Is Right for You?

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