Obtaining an EB1 green card without a PhD is possible. The eb1a without phd category of the employment-based visa celebrates talent and achievement in fields that span education, research, art, business, and more. The requirements include:

You need to show that you have international recognition and major contributions of significance. This can be accomplished through scholarly publications, awards, and other forms of evidence.

What is an EB1 visa?

Whether it’s groundbreaking research, transformative artistic endeavors, or innovative business strategies, the EB1 visa category honors exceptional talent and achievement. The road to a green card under this prestigious category requires detailed preparation and strategic planning. The first step is assembling all relevant evidence that showcases your extraordinary abilities and accomplishments. This may include scholarly publications, letters of recommendation, and major awards. It’s also important to highlight any commercial successes, such as box office receipts or a substantial record, cassette, compact disc, or video sales.

It’s a common assumption that the EB1 visa is reserved for individuals with the highest level of formal education, such as those with Ph.Ds. However, the EB1A visa category specifically aims for individuals who’ve achieved sustained national or international acclaim in fields such as arts, sciences, education, business, or athletics. This can be proven through either a one-time achievement or by meeting three of the 10 criteria for extraordinary ability.

EB1A

If you are a person who has extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics, you may be eligible for an EB1A visa. This green card classification is reserved for people who have achieved a level of accomplishment that has brought them national and international acclaim. The visa can be applied for without a sponsor and does not require a labor certification.

There are many ways to prove your extraordinary ability. These include artistic exhibitions or showcases, critical roles in organizations with a distinguished reputation, scholarly published articles, commercial successes in the performing arts, and commanding a high salary compared to others in the same field of occupation.

If you have the required evidence, VisaNation Law Group can help you pursue an EB1A visa without a Ph.D. Our firm has a team of experienced immigration attorneys that will determine whether you qualify for this distinction. If you do not, we will explore your options for an alternative visa.

EB1B

There are several ways you can secure an EB1B green card without a PhD. The big thing that counts is your achievements, awards, and recognition in your field on a sustained basis. This includes a high salary or other significant remuneration compared to others in your field, exclusive memberships, scholarly published articles, and acting as a judge for others’ work.

Other requirements for the EB1B Outstanding Professor or Researcher category include a minimum of three years of experience in your field, and the existence of research accomplishments that are internationally recognized. Unlike other employment-based visa categories, the EB1B Outstanding Professor or Researcher visa doesn’t require a job offer from a U.S. employer. Instead, a foreign national can self-petition for the EB1B Outstanding Professor or Researchers green card. However, USCIS requires that the petitioner provide evidence of their qualifications. This can include expert testimonials and other evidence. This can be difficult for Ph.D students with extensive publishing records in their fields.

EB1C

Securing an EB1 green card without a PhD is possible but it requires a strong application. Focus on proving your top-level achievements rather than just your academic credentials. You can demonstrate this through internationally recognized prizes, significant scholarly articles in major trade publications, and a leading or critical role in outstanding projects. Whether you are an artist with celebrated exhibitions or a business leader with commercial success, your unique accomplishments can lead to your visa approval.

The EB1C category is reserved for managers and executives transferred from a foreign company to work at a US-based subsidiary or affiliate. The foreign worker must be a manager or executive of the US-based company and have been performing managerial or executive duties for the overseas branch of the same employer for at least one year before filing their immigrant petition with USCIS.

There are additional requirements for EB1C petitioners including premium processing options and minimum investment levels. An experienced immigration lawyer will help you navigate these rules.