EB-1A | Parker Johnson Immigration

EB-1A Visa

What Is the EB-1A Visa?

U.S. Permanent Residence for Individuals of Extraordinary Ability

The EB-1A immigrant visa category is designed for individuals who possess extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. Reserved for top performers and recognized leaders in their fields, the EB-1A offers a direct path to permanent residency—without requiring a job offer, labor certification, or employer sponsorship.

To qualify, an applicant must demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim and that their achievements have been recognized through extensive documentation. USCIS typically requires evidence in at least three of ten regulatory criteria, or proof of a major, one-time achievement (such as a Nobel Prize, Pulitzer, Oscar, or Olympic Medal). These criteria include:

Receipt of nationally or internationally recognized awards
Memberships in associations requiring outstanding achievements
Published material about the applicant in professional or major media
Participation as a judge of others in the field
Original contributions of major significance
Authorship of scholarly articles
Display of work at exhibitions or showcases
Leading or critical roles in distinguished organizations
Commanding a high salary in relation to others in the field
Commercial success in the performing arts

The EB-1A is a self-petition category, meaning individuals can apply independently without employer involvement—making it ideal for entrepreneurs, freelancers, academics, researchers, and creatives charting their own paths.

Benefits of the EB-1A Visa:

No PERM labor certification required
No specific job offer needed
Priority visa processing and current priority dates for many countries
Flexibility to change employers or work independently post-approval
Eligibility to sponsor qualifying family members for green cards

Extraordinary Ability (EB-1A) Visa Services

Strategic Advocacy for the Nation’s Top Talent

At Parker Johnson Immigration, we specialize in EB-1A visas for individuals of extraordinary ability across the sciences, arts, education, business, and athletics. The EB-1A category is reserved for those who have risen to the very top of their field—and proving that to USCIS requires more than accolades. It demands a compelling legal narrative, carefully curated evidence, and a deep understanding of the adjudication framework.

Jason Parker Johnson brings years of frontline experience leading high-volume EB-1A practices, with a proven record of success in securing approvals for researchers, entrepreneurs, professors, performing artists, engineers, and other professionals whose work shapes their industries. Whether you are filing as a self-petitioner or alongside an employer, Jason offers:

Thorough case assessments to determine EB-1A eligibility and develop a tailored petition strategy.
Comprehensive evidence development, including guidance on documenting awards, media recognition, publications, and critical roles.
Persuasive petition drafting, backed by legal insight and strategic narrative framing that aligns with USCIS standards.
Strong RFE and NOID responses, when needed, to reinforce your case and overcome adjudicatory hurdles.
Ongoing guidance through each stage of the process—from initial planning to green card approval.

What sets Jason apart is not just his command of immigration law, but his ability to translate a client’s unique journey into a compelling legal case that resonates with adjudicators. He understands that every EB-1A client brings a distinct story—and he’s committed to telling it with power, precision, and integrity.