The eb-1a vs eb-1b are two of the most prestigious employment-based green card categories. They are both designed to recognize and reward individuals with extraordinary achievements in the fields of science, education, art, business, sports, and other areas of endeavor. Both offer advantages to their holders, including expedited green card processing times and the ability to include spouses and children.

While there are similarities between the two, some differences should be taken into consideration when choosing which petition to file. For example, the EB-1A requires a sponsoring employer and job offer, while the NIW does not. Moreover, the EB-1A has a more limited scope of professions that can qualify, while the EB-1B offers greater flexibility in what can be considered outstanding achievement.

Deciphering the Categories: EB-1A vs. EB-1B Visa Explained

Another significant difference between the two is that EB-1A applicants can self-petition, whereas eb-1b requires that an employer file a labor certification on their behalf. The labor certification is a time-consuming process that tests the U.S. labor market for available workers, and it can add a year to the overall eb-2 green card processing time. USCIS recently published updates to its policy manual that clarify how supporting evidence is evaluated for eb-1a and eb-1b petitions. The changes are intended to provide more predictability and clarity for paths to permanent residency for STEM scholars, students, professors, and researchers.