The EB-1 Visa, also known as the First Preference Immigrant Visa, is designed for certain foreign nationals who have demonstrated extraordinary abilities in their field (EB-1A), are outstanding professors or researchers (EB-1B), or are multinational executives or managers (EB-1C). Each category has its own eligibility requirements, such as extensive documentation to establish extraordinary ability for the EB-1A, three years of teaching or research in the academic area and an offer of employment for the EB-1B, and at least one year of employment as a manager or executive in the three years preceding the petition for the EB-1C.
Unlike many other visa categories, EB-1 applicants can petition for themselves without an employer sponsor, specifically for the EB-1A category. The EB-1 Visa provides lawful permanent resident status (Green Card), making it one of the most desirable visa categories.