How Do I Apply for an EB-1 Visa?

EB-1 visas are employment-based visas that allow an approved applicant to reside in the United States permanently. If you work for or are being recruited to work at a United States company as a foreigner, you can apply for employment-based citizenship. EB-1 visas are reserved for highly skilled and educated individuals who have specialized or outstanding abilities in their field. To apply for an EB-1 visa you will need to meet certain requirements and have a job offer from a qualified employer. For more information on how to apply for and obtain a visa, contact an experienced employment visa attorney in New York City.

How Expensive is an EB-1 Visa?

You will have to pay various fees if you are filing for an EB-1 visa. The exact amount will depend on your specific situation.

Applicants who are already in the United States are required to submit a few forms. The following is a list of required documents and their associated costs and fees.

• Form I-140, called the Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker. There is a $700 filing fee that will be paid by the sponsoring employer and a $220 immigrant fee.
• Form I-485, the application to adjust status has a filing fee of $1,140.
• Biometrics screening will cost $85 for applicants ages 14 to 79.

For applicants who are applying from outside the United States, different forms and documents will be needed.

• Form I-140, called the Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker. There is a $700 filing fee that will be paid by the sponsoring employer and a $220 immigrant fee.
• Form DS-260 is the green card application for applicants outside the U.S. and has a $345 filing fee.
• Form I-864, which is an affidavit of support, has a fee of $120.
• Biometrics screening will cost $85 for applicants ages 14 to 79.

How Can I Apply?

Whether you are applying for an EB-1 visa from within the United States or outside of it, the application process starts the same. First, file the I-140 form and pay the associated fees. During this process, you will need to submit documentation proving that you are eligible for the visa. The approval time for the I-140 form takes approximately four months.

Once you have been approved, your next step will depend on where you are applying from. If you are already in the United States, begin the process of adjusting your status. If you are not yet in the U.S., apply for your green card through consular processing at an embassy or consulate.

You can be asked to provide biometric information by attending an appointment where you will provide photographic identification of yourself, fingerprints, signatures, and other behavioral characteristics that can be used to identify you.

Once you have attended a biometric appointment and a certified medical exam, you can attend your scheduled visa interview. If and when you are approved you will be awarded your EB-1 visa and can begin residing and working in the United States.