General Information

Why should I provide a separate email ID?
A separate email ID ensures better tracking and management of your green card application,. It helps avoid missed communications and maintains a streamlined process.
Can the same profile be used for EB1B instead of EB1A ?
The content can be reused as both EB1A and EB1B have similar requirements. However, EB1A requires the fulfillment of three criteria, while EB1B only requires two.
For salary comparison, will the base salary or W-2 amount be considered?
The W-2 amount will always be used. For entrepreneurs and business owners who do not receive a W-2, other documents like 1099 forms, K-1 (for partnerships), or corporate financial statements can be used to demonstrate high earnings.
Can the supporter’s office address be used in the header for support letters, or is a residential address required?
Any address where USCIS can reach the supporter is acceptable. Both office and residential addresses are valid.

Awards

How many awards should be included in the application?
It is recommended that 3-4 awards be selected.
How many award options will be provided for selection?
A list of 20-25 awards will be shared, from which 3-4 can be chosen.
Are international awards considered valuable for the application?
International awards add significant value, especially if they demonstrate global recognition and impact.
Is it necessary to provide award certificates, or is a description enough?
Certificates and official documentation, including criteria and significance of the award, should be provided as proof.
Can smaller or local awards be included?
Yes, local awards can be included, especially if they are relevant to the field of expertise and demonstrate industry recognition.
Can awards received after filing the EB1A application be added?
No, additional awards cannot be added after the petition is filed unless it is a re-filing case.
Should evidence of the award’s judging metrics be provided?
Yes, providing selection criteria or judging metrics strengthens the credibility of the award.
Which types of awards are most impactful?
Recognized international awards and those that involve a competitive selection process are highly valuable for the EB1A application.

Judging

How is content for awards judging selected?
The content is selected based on its relevance and alignment with the field of expertise.
How does judging conferences or competitions strengthen an EB1A case?
It demonstrates expertise and recognition in the field, showing that peers consider the individual an expert.
Is proof of judging invitations required?
Evidence such as emails, official invitations, or event documentation is necessary.
How can the importance of a judged conference be demonstrated?
Providing details about the event’s scope, impact, and caliber of participants strengthens its credibility.
Is judging experience from smaller, local events useful?
Yes, but more significant, more recognized events hold more weight. However, local events can still be included if relevant.

Memberships

What is the timeline for membership approvals?
It varies by organization. Some memberships take 1-4 weeks, while others like BCS can take up to 2-3 months.
Does the supporter for a BCS membership need to be a BCS member?
No, the supporter does not need to be a BCS member.
How do memberships impact the EB1A petition?
Memberships demonstrate recognition in the field and establish standing within the industry.
Are editorial board memberships valid for EB1A applications?
Yes, they qualify under the “Membership” criterion.
Does an applicant need to be an active member of a professional organization?
Active memberships, especially in leadership roles, add more value than passive memberships.
Can international memberships be included?
Yes, as long as the organization is reputable within the industry.
Can online memberships or certifications be used?
Only recognized professional memberships are valid, whether online or offline.

Scholarly Articles

Can scholarly articles written in college be used?
Yes, if they are relevant to the current field of expertise.
How many articles are needed to meet EB1A criteria?
Typically, four articles are prepared.
Where are scholarly articles published?
They are published in reputable, high-impact journals to strengthen the application.
Why does journal impact factor matter?
A higher impact factor increases the credibility and weight of the publication.
Are non-peer-reviewed articles acceptable?
While peer-reviewed journals are preferred, non-peer-reviewed articles in reputable publications can still be useful.
How should the significance of scholarly articles be demonstrated?
By emphasizing their publication in high-impact journals and citing journal rankings.
Is it necessary to provide full-text copies of scholarly articles?
Yes, full-text copies or official links are required.

Media

Where are media articles published?
On platforms like IBTimes India, Tech Bullion, and Analytics Insight.
Can media articles be backdated?
No, backdating is not recommended due to ethical and legal concerns.
How does media coverage support an EB1A application?
Media articles provide evidence of recognition and establish credibility.
How can the impact of a media article be demonstrated?
It strengthens its credibility by providing metrics like page views, shares, and citations from reputable sources.
Can personal blogs or social media posts be included?
While not as strong as external publications, they can be used as supplementary evidence if widely engaged.
Can media coverage in a foreign language be used?
Yes, but translations or summaries must be provided.

Support Letters

How many support letters are required?
Between 6-8 letters are recommended, with at least 4 from direct professional contacts.
Who should provide support letters?
Industry leaders, supervisors, or peers familiar with the applicant’s contributions.
Can international experts provide letters?
Yes, international support letters are valuable, especially when they highlight global impact.
Do letters need to be on company letterhead?
While preferred, personal letterhead with full details is also acceptable.
Are digital signatures allowed?
Yes, but DocuSign should be avoided. A PDF editor signature is acceptable.
How recent should the letters be?
Letters should be within 4-6 months of petition submission.

Attorney & Petition

When does the attorney get involved?
After support letters and initial documents are completed.
How long does it take to finalize the petition?
The attorney typically takes 3-4 weeks to draft, followed by 1-2 weeks for submission.

Sales & Costs

What are the additional costs involved?
    • Memberships : $1,500
    • Awards : $2,000
    • Scholarly Publications : $100-$200
    • Total Estimate : $3,000-$3,500
Are discounts available?
Yes, discounts range from 5%-20% depending on referrals and additional applicants.
What is the success rate?
  • First-time applications : 80 - 90%
  • Reapplications after RFE : 7%+