- EB-1 · Extraordinary Ability Green Card
EB-1 Green Card for Extraordinary Ability
Secure Your U.S. Permanent Residency
A green card built entirely on your professional excellence, achievements, and impact.
- Who This Is For
Your talent can take you
further than you think.
The Extraordinary Ability category offers a direct path to a Green Card for accomplished professionals. Massa Viana Law serves clients across Massachusetts and Providence.
Actors, Directors, Screen Artists & Musicians Classical Virtuosos
Acclaimed artists, directors, and musicians with major production credits and proven commercial success or critical acclaim.
Scientists & AI Specialists
Professionals with cited publications, adopted technology, or original contributions that have shaped their field in the US or abroad.
Professors & Researchers
Academics and educators with at least 3 years of experience, backed by outstanding contributions like publications, patents, citations, or awards.
Athletes & Coaches
Athletes who have competed at national/international levels, or recognized coaches with a proven track record of athlete and team success.
Multinational Managers & Executives
Executives and managers responsible for organizational operations, policy-making, staff supervision, and hiring.
O-1 Visa Holders Ready for Permanence
Ready to transition from an O-1 to a permanent path? Since your extraordinary ability is already proven to USCIS, the EB-1A is the ideal next step.
- Understanding the Pathway
The EB-1A is
merit-based—entirely
Individuals with extraordinary ability in athletics, education, business, arts, or science.
The EB-1A lets you self-petition without an employer, turning your career milestones into the exact legal framework USCIS requires.
- Understanding the Pathway
The EB-1B is
research-based—globally.
For outstanding professors and researchers requiring international recognition, a permanent U.S. job offer, and at least three years of academic experience.
The EB-1B turns your academic and research milestones into the exact legal framework USCIS requires.
- Understanding the Pathway
The EB-1C is
leadership-based—globally.
Designed for multinational managers and executives.
Requires at least one year of prior international leadership, a qualifying corporate relationship, and an established U.S. operation
- How USCIS Evaluates Your Case
Meet at least three of these ten standards.
You do not need to meet all ten. USCIS requires just three criteria, not all ten. We identify your strengths and build a compelling case around your work. We rigorously assess your eligibility before taking your case.
01
Awards & Prizes
Nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in your field (awarded to you, not your employer).
02
Selective Memberships
Membership in selective associations requiring outstanding achievement, evaluated by national or international experts (excluding fee-based or open-enrollment groups).
03
Media Coverage
Published material about you specifically in professional or major trade publications or major media—interviews, critical reviews, features. Marketing materials do not qualify.
04
Judging Others' Work
Serving as a judge of the work of others in the same or allied field—individually or on a panel. Auditions, grant panels, competition juries, peer review, and pitch competitions can qualify.
05
Original Contributions of Major Significance
Proof that your work has made a substantial impact—such as heavily cited research, widely adopted methods, or technology in widespread use.
06
Scholarly Articles
Authorship of scholarly articles in professional journals or major media (or critical reviews and credited works for artists).
07
Critical or Essential Role
Critical role in an organization of distinguished reputation, where your contributions significantly influenced its outcomes or success.
08
High Salary or Remuneration
High salary or remuneration relative to others in your field, proven by contracts, tax documents, or industry wage surveys.
09
Artistic Exhibitions or Showcases
Display of your work at artistic exhibitions or showcases (virtual or in person) at venues with recognized standing in the field.
10
Commercial Success in the Performing Arts
Commercial success demonstrated by box-office receipts, streaming sales, or audience metrics relative to others in your field.
- Our Approach
Our Proven Process — Step-by-Step Guidance
Click bellow to see how massa viana take care of your case
And then, we celebrate with you when your green card arrives!
- Why Massa Viana Law
Immigration Is Personal to Us
Our firm was founded by Antonio M. Viana, who arrived in the United States at 12 years old. He navigated the immigration system from the inside as an undocumented young man who went on to graduate law school, sit for the bar in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts, and build one of New England’s most respected immigration practices. He became the first known undocumented immigrant admitted to the Massachusetts bar.
That experience shapes every case we take. We approach every EB-1 petition with care, taking the time to understand each person’s work and what makes their story unique. We listen like people who understand what it means to fight for belonging.
Our offices are in Southborough, Massachusetts and Providence, Rhode Island. We serve clients throughout New England—and internationally, for those seeking guidance from abroad. Consultations available in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.
Frequently Asked Questions About EB-1
All you need to know about Visa EB-1
Q: Do I need a Nobel Prize or an Oscar to qualify?
A: No. A major international award is only one path. Most successful EB-1 petitioners qualify through alternative regulatory criteria, such as sustained acclaim, major contributions, or leadership roles—proving they belong at the top of their field.
Q: I have an O-1 visa. Why would I pursue the EB-1?
A: Permanence. An O-1 visa is temporary, whereas an EB1 leads directly to a permanent green card for you and your family, offering long-term independence without employer restrictions.
Q: How long does the EB-1 process take?
A: Fast tracking available. USCIS can adjudicate your I-140 via premium processing in 15 business days. The full pathway from assessment to green card typically spans 6 to 18 months, depending on processing paths.
Q: Do I need to live in Massachusetts or Rhode Island to work with Massa Viana Law on my EB-1 petition?
A: No. While our primary offices serve clients throughout Massachusetts and the Providence, RI area, U.S. immigration law is federal. We represent EB-1 applicants nationwide and globally.
Q: What if I'm not well known outside my home country?
A: Generally current. EB-1 priority dates are usually current for most countries, allowing concurrent filing. However, applicants born in countries like India and China should verify current Visa Bulletin dates due to potential backlogs.
Q :Are there any country-of-birth backlogs for EB-1?
A: EB-1 priority dates are generally current for most countries, and applicants can typically file adjustment of status concurrent with their I-140 petition. However, applicants born in India and China should verify current Visa Bulletin dates, as some backlog has appeared in the EB-1 category. We monitor this monthly and advise clients accordingly.
Q: What makes an EB-1 petition get denied?
A: Common failure points. Insufficient documentation for specific criteria, generic support letters lacking evidence, and a failure to prove top-tier standing under the totality of the record. Expert preparation prevents these gaps.
- Real Clients. Real Stories.
The people we have
fought alongside.
The absolute best legal team we could have chosen. Professional, knowledgeable, and friendly—they made us feel at ease at every step of the way.
Donald Metivier
Antonio Massa Viana and his team were handling my immigration process very professional and I had my Greencard in record time. Highly recommended!
Manfred Burkart
They care about you and work around the clock to make sure nothing is left to chance. There's always someone on the phone. You're in good hands.
Alex Langkos
- Schedule a Consultation
Take the next step
toward your EB-1 Green Card.
The first step is a conversation. Tell us about your work, your field, and your goals. We will give you an honest assessment of your EB-1 eligibility and a clear picture of what the path forward looks like.
Southborough, MA
153 Cordaville Rd, Suite 320
Southborough, MA 01772
10 Weybosset St, Unit 403
Providence, RI 02903
English · Português · Español · Russian
