Persons of Exceptional Ability
How to Get a Green Card

Persons of exceptional ability (EA) can qualify for green cards under the employment-based 2nd preference (EB-2) category.

People often confuse this with the EB-1A extraordinary ability category (aka “Einstein visas”).

In fact, the criteria for getting a green card under the EB-2 EA category are far less onerous that what is required under the EB-1 category. However, unlike the EB-1 category, a job offer is required. An employer need not go through the PERM labor certification process for such an employee.

A person of exceptional ability must substantially benefit prospectively the national economy, cultural or educational interests, or welfare of the United States because of his or her exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business. The person must also have a job offer from a U.S. employer to provide services in the sciences, arts, professions, or business.

The regulation at 8 CFR 204.5(k)(2) defines exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business as having a degree of expertise significantly above that ordinarily encountered.

Related Page:

• USCIS – Evaluation of Evidence Submitted with Certain Form I-140 Petitions (12-22-10)

Client Reviews

Exceptional Ability Requirements

USCIS regulations, at 8 C.F.R. section 204.5(k)(3), require that to show that you are a person of EA in the sciences, arts, or business, your employer must submit a petition to the USCIS. The petition must be accompanied by at least three of the following items:

1. An official academic record showing that the alien has a degree, diploma, certificate, or similar award from a college, university, school, or other institution of learning relating to the area of exceptional ability;
2. Evidence in the form of letter(s) from current or former employer(s) showing that the alien has at least ten years of full-time experience in the occupation for which he or she is being sought;
3. A license to practice the profession or certification for a particular profession or occupation;
4. Evidence that the alien has commanded a salary, or other remuneration for services, which demonstrates exceptional ability;
5. Evidence of membership in professional associations; or
6. Evidence of recognition for achievements and significant contributions to the industry or field by peers, governmental entities, or professional or business organizations.

If the above standards do not readily apply to your occupation, your employer may submit comparable evidence to establish your eligibility.

Success Stories – Green Card Through Employment

• Options for an Extraordinary Employee
• Saving a Client from an EB-5 Denial
• Overturning the Denial of a PERM Application
• Winning an I-140 Appeal
• Overcoming the Denial of an I-140 Petition
• Saving a Client’s Job
• Registered Nurse Upgrades from EB-2 to EB-3
• Representing Clients in Various Cities Across the U.S.
• Helping a Person Qualify for a National Interest Waiver
• Helping a Physician Achieve Permanent Residence
• Green Card for a Person of Extraordinary Ability
• Helping a Client Qualify as an EB-1 Outstanding Researcher
• Erroneous I-140 Denial is Overturned
• Saving a Science Superstar from Deportation
• Establishing That a Job Offer is Permanent
• Saving a Nurse From Being Deported
• Helping a Nurse Remain in the U.S.
• Helping an Immigrant Overcome Attorney Error
• Saving a Scientist’s NIW from Revocation
• A Hardship Waiver for a Physician
• Repairing a Broken Immigration Case
• Registered Nurse: “It Never Hurts to Ask”
• Researcher and Systems Engineer: “What a Difference a Day Made”
• Professional Athlete – “Curveball: The Immigration Officer Who Knew Too Much”
• Employment-Based Immigration: Cancer Research Center
• Physician/Researcher: “Who is Extraordinary?”
• Employment-Based Immigration: 100 Registered Nurses
• Engineers and Nurses
• Physician: Exceptional Hardship – Mexican Immigrant: Alternate Chargeability
• Artist Wins Right to Stay in US

Persons of Exceptional Ability – Additional Resources

• How to Make an Expedite Request (USCIS)
• USCIS Updates Guidance for Schedule A Occupations (12-02-20)
• AAO Non-Precedent Decisions for Advanced Degree, EA, National Interest Waiver

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