EB1A Myths That Stop People from Applying And Why They’re All Wrong

2. Myth 1: You Need a Master’s Degree or PhD to Apply

Maybe you’ve thought this yourself. You look at your resumé and think, “I don’t have the degrees they’re looking for.” And just like that, you disqualify yourself.

USCIS does not care about how many letters sit after your name. It cares about:

• whether your work matters
• whether people rely on it
• whether your contributions stand out.

Some of the strongest EB1A cases we see belong to self-taught founders, business leaders, engineers, and creatives who built influence through real-world impact. These extraordinary ability visa facts often surprise people.

Hence, the reality is if your work has moved your field forward, your degree does not get to decide your future.

3. Myth 2: If You Haven’t Published Research or Received Citations, You Can’t Apply

This is one of the most common EB1A eligibility misunderstandings among tech professionals. As it quietly scares away non-academics. You see words like “publications” and “citations” and think, “That’s not my world.”

But EB1A is bigger than academia and publications are just one of many ways to show extraordinary ability. USCIS lists 10 criteria, and research is only a slice of the picture.

• Patents
• Original contributions
• Judging the work of others
• High compensation
• Leadership roles
• Media coverage
• Selective memberships

These are core EB1A truth vs myths distinctions. No single type of evidence is required. What matters is recognition. What actually matters then? Have people benefited from your work? Have peers recognized it? Has it changed how something is done? That is the heart of EB1A.

4. Myth 3: Only Millionaires or Executives Qualify

This myth hurts because it feels personal. Many professionals feel that even though they are successful, they are not rich enough or they are not a CEO and assume that EB1A is not meant for them.

But the fact is that EB1A evaluates relative remuneration, not absolute wealth. USCIS looks at whether your compensation reflects recognition compared to others in your field and geography. A senior engineer earning in the top 10% of their niche may meet the standard just as well as a C-suite executive.

So, what actually counts? Being highly valued for what you do. Not flashy titles or Forbes lists. Extraordinary does not mean famous. It means being valued.

5. Myth 4: You Need Major International Press Coverage

This is where many people quietly give up. But this is the biggest EB1A misconception. You do not need CNN, BBC, or The New York Times. USCIS evaluates whether coverage shows recognition and influence, not being a global celebrity.

• Industry publications
• Trade magazines
• Niche blogs
• Podcasts
• Regional media

All of these also count if they focus on your work and not paid promotion.

So, how to think about it? If someone in your industry searched your name or your work, would they find credible third-party recognition? That is what matters.

6. Myth 5: If You Don’t Meet Exactly 3 Criteria, You’re Out

Now, this EB1A myth is the root cause of panic in tech professionals. You start counting criteria like exam answers. One, two or maybe two and a half. And then you stop.

But here’s what most people don’t realize. Meeting three criteria is not the finish line. It is the entry point. USCIS then looks at the full picture, that is:

• Your story
• Your consistency
• Your sustained impact

And the truth is, a clear, well-framed narrative often outweighs scattered evidence forced into boxes. Officers are trained to assess extraordinary ability holistically, not mechanically. This principle also applies equally to those confused by O-1A myths and EB1A standards.

7. Myth 6: It’s Too Random or Subjective to Try

This EB1A application fear is understandable as we all know that immigration feels risky. It has high stakes and the journey feels quite emotional. You might think, “What if it’s just luck?”

But it’s not. A well-prepared EB1A petitions follow clear legal standards. According to recent data, strong cases see approval rates in the 60 to 70 percent range. So your strategy, presentation and clear evidence matters more than you think.

Most denials happen not because the person lacked merit, but because the story was poorly told.

8. Final Thought: Don’t Talk Yourself Out of Your Own Potential

EB-1A exists for professionals whose influence is real, even when it is not loud. And with better tech EB1A clarifications, many accomplished individuals realize their work already aligns with what the category was designed to recognize. If you have built something meaningful and are still moving forward, this path may be closer than it seems.

At EB1A Experts, we have seen firsthand how often potential goes unnoticed simply because the rules are misunderstood. If you have built something meaningful and are still moving forward, this path may be far closer than you think.

9. FAQs

Is EB1A only for Nobel Prize winners?

No. This is one of the most common EB1A myths. While the category is labeled as “extraordinary,” USCIS does not expect Nobel Prizes or global fame. The EB1A visa is designed for professionals who have shown impeccable impact and recognition within their field. And at EB1A Experts, we regularly see strong cases approved without globally famous awards.

Do I need a PhD to qualify for EB1A?

No, a PhD is not required to qualify for an EB1A green card. USCIS evaluates impact, originality, and recognition. And that is exactly what we do at EB1A Experts. We focus on how your work is valued, not the letters after your name.

Is EB1A harder for software engineers?

Not at all. In fact, many engineers frequently meet criteria through original contributions, high compensation, leadership roles, patents, or judging the work of others. The challenge is not eligibility, but framing. At EB1A Experts, we help tech professionals overcome EB1A application fears by positioning their real-world impact correctly.

Do I need media coverage about myself?

Media coverage can help, but it is not mandatory. USCIS does not require mainstream or international press. Industry publications, trade media, podcasts, and credible niche platforms can all qualify. What matters is third-party recognition, not publicity. Understanding this distinction is central to separating EB-1A truth vs myths when evaluating your profile.

Do I need to be famous to get EB1A?

No. EB-1A is not a popularity contest. This myth often overlaps with O-1A myths and leads professionals to self-eliminate unnecessarily. USCIS looks for professional recognition and influence within a field, not celebrity status. Many approved EB1A visa cases involve individuals who are well-respected by peers but unknown to the general public. At EB1A Experts, we see this pattern consistently.

Is EB1A too risky compared to H-1B?

EB1A is different from H-1B, not necessarily riskier. H-1B depends on lotteries and employer sponsorship, while EB-1A is merit-based and self-sponsored. For professionals with strong profiles, EB-1A can offer more control and long-term stability.

Is EB1A only for academics?

No, EB1A is not only for academics. This is one of the most limiting EB1A myths. While academics often qualify, EB1A was never designed exclusively for them. Entrepreneurs, engineers, product leaders, creatives, and business professionals regularly qualify through non-academic evidence also.