EB-1A Green Card:
How to Apply Without an Employer in 2025

• Plan to continue working in your field of extraordinary ability
• Show that your presence will benefit the United States
• And satisfy one of the following two requirements.

• Lesser Nationally or Internationally Recognized Prizes or Awards for Excellence
  You’ve won awards that are well-known and respected in your field, even if they aren’t global household names.
  Example: You received a national “Top Researcher” award in your country’s scientific community.


• Membership in Associations That Require Outstanding Achievements
  You belong to professional associations that only accept top-tier members based on merit.
  Example: You were elected as a Fellow of a national engineering society based on peer nominations.


• Published Material About You in Major Media or Trade Publications
  Articles have been written about you in respected newspapers, magazines, or professional journals.
  Example: You were featured in Wired or Nature for your work in biotechnology.


• Participation as a Judge of the Work of Others in Your Field
  You’ve served as a reviewer, evaluator, or judge of other professionals' work.
  Example: You judged submissions for a national art competition or reviewed academic research for a journal.


• Original Contributions of Major Significance in Your Field
  You’ve developed something new that has had a measurable and important impact.
  Example: You created a data encryption protocol now used in major financial institutions.


• Authorship of Scholarly Articles in Reputable Publications
  You’ve written expert-level content in respected journals or major media outlets.
  Example: You’ve published peer-reviewed research in The Lancet or contributed to Harvard Business Review.


• Your Work Has Been Displayed in Artistic Exhibitions or Showcases
  Your creative work has been featured publicly in respected venues.
  Example: Your paintings were exhibited at an international gallery or museum.


• Leading or Critical Role in Distinguished Organizations
  You’ve held a top-level or highly influential position in a well-regarded company or institution.
  Example: You served as Director of Product at a widely recognized tech firm.


• High Salary or Compensation Compared to Others in the Field
  You earn significantly more than most people in your industry.
  Example: You earn $300,000 annually in a field where the average is $120,000.


• Commercial Success in the Performing Arts
  You’ve had strong financial success in music, film, theater, or other performance-based work.
  Example: Your film generated millions in box office sales or your album went platinum.

• You’ve won a major one-time international award
• You meet at least 3 out of the 10 criteria listed above

• Review the total body of evidence you submitted
• Determine whether it proves that your recognition and success are sustained and significant
• Assess whether you’ve truly reached the top of your field

For Petitioners Outside the United States

For Petitioners Inside the United States

• Concurrent Filing: File Form I-140 and Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) at the same time. This is faster, but risky — if the I-140 is denied, the I-485 is automatically denied too.


• Separate Filing: Wait until the I-140 is approved, then file Form I-485. This is slower, but safer.