EB-1 Visa Attorney in Chicago — Priority Workers
The EB-1 preference category is the highest employment-based green card classification, reserved for individuals who demonstrate extraordinary ability, outstanding research achievement, or multinational executive/managerial capability. At Liberum Law, our EB-1 visa attorneys in Chicago help qualified applicants secure permanent residence without the lengthy PERM labor certification process.
EB-1A Extraordinary Ability is for individuals who can demonstrate extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics through sustained national or international acclaim. Applicants must meet at least three of ten criteria or provide evidence of a one-time achievement of major, internationally recognized significance. EB-1B Outstanding Professor or Researcher requires at least three years of research or teaching experience and international recognition for outstanding achievements. The position must be at a university, institution of higher education, or private employer with at least three full-time researchers. EB-1C Multinational Manager or Executive is for managers or executives who have been employed abroad by a qualifying multinational organization for at least one of the three years preceding the petition.
The EB-1 offers significant advantages: no PERM labor certification required, current visa availability in most countries, and premium processing availability. Our attorneys build comprehensive petitions that clearly document our clients’ qualifications under the applicable criteria.
Contact our EB-1 attorneys at Liberum Law for a free assessment of your eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the EB-1 subcategories?
EB-1A: extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics (self-petition, no employer needed). EB-1B: outstanding professor or researcher (employer sponsor, 3+ years experience). EB-1C: multinational executive or manager (transferred via L-1A or qualifying foreign role).
How do I show "extraordinary ability" for EB-1A?
Meet at least 3 of 10 regulatory criteria — awards, memberships requiring outstanding achievement, published material about you, judging others' work, original contributions, scholarly articles, exhibitions or showcases, leading or critical role, high salary, or commercial success. Or show a one-time major achievement (Nobel Prize, Oscar, Olympic medal).
Does EB-1 require a job offer?
EB-1A does not — it is self-petitioned. EB-1B requires a permanent research job offer. EB-1C requires the U.S. employer to be qualifyingly related to the foreign employer and the role to be executive or managerial.
How fast is EB-1?
EB-1A and EB-1B can be filed concurrently with I-485 if a visa number is available — total time often 12–24 months. EB-1C typically goes through L-1A first. China and India face EB-1 backlogs (currently 2+ years); most other countries are current.
Can I file EB-1A myself?
Yes — EB-1A is a self-petition (Form I-140 with no employer sponsor). However, the evidentiary burden is high and case preparation is intensive. Most successful EB-1A petitions are professionally prepared, with comprehensive evidence packages and expert reference letters.
