H1B to EB1 Visa in US
Many foreign professionals working in the United States on an H-1B visa eventually seek permanent residency. One of the fastest and most prestigious pathways is the EB-1 immigrant visa category. Transitioning from an H-1B to an EB-1 visa allows eligible individuals to move from temporary employment authorization to a green card with fewer delays and, in some cases, without labor certification.
Call +1 844 290 6312 or use the online contact form to get in touch regarding your path to permanent residency in the US.
Understanding the H-1B to EB-1 Transition
The H-1B visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations. While it permits “dual intent,” meaning H-1B holders can pursue permanent residency without jeopardizing their status, it is still time-limited and subject to strict rules.
The EB-1 visa, by contrast, is an employment-based immigrant visa that leads directly to lawful permanent residence. Because EB-1 is a first-preference category, it often has shorter waiting times and does not require a PERM labor certification. For H-1B holders with strong credentials, moving to EB-1 can significantly reduce green card processing time.
Eligibility Criteria
You must have achieved documented accomplishments in your field of work and be able to provide extensive documentation to support your claim for this employment-based category. Some of the accepted evidence for this could include:
- Proof of a job offer such as an employment contract
- A high salary in your field of work
- Proof of major significance or a leading or critical role in your industry
- Internationally recognized prizes or awards
- Proof of commercial success such as box office receipts, features in professional publications, or other comparable evidence
With EB-1, you will not need an additional labor certification. The EB-1 will give you lawful permanent residence in the US as a foreign national, and you will be able to live and work freely as a green card holder in the US.
H-1B to EB-1A
EB-1A is for foreign nationals with extraordinary ability who have achieved documented accomplishments in the areas of arts, science, business, or sports.
Documented accomplishments or outstanding achievements may include work in professional publications, international awards, features in major trade publications or other major media, significant commercial successes, or other comparable evidence of international acclaim or international recognition.
H-1B holders applying for EB-1A do not need a job offer or employer sponsorship and may self-petition. For H-1B professionals, EB-1A is ideal for those who have built a strong record of achievements while working in the U.S. It provides maximum independence and is often the fastest route to a green card if approved.
H-1B to EB-1B
EB-1B is for outstanding professors and researchers who have outstanding achievements in a particular academic field.
You may need to show scholarly articles, published work that appears in professional publications or academic journals, or membership in prestigious academic organizations. As an outstanding professor, you must provide proof of documented accomplishments in the academic area. For example, tenure track teaching at either a university or other qualifying institution of higher education.
H-1B holders working in academia or research roles may qualify if they can demonstrate at least three years of teaching or research experience and meet specific evidentiary criteria, such as published work, peer review activity, or authorship of influential research.
H-1B to EB-1C
EB-1C is for multinational managers or those with managerial or executive capacity.
You must be able to prove your business-related contributions.
This is a tricky category to apply to as an H-1B holder because USCIS specifies that you must have worked for the foreign entity of your employer for one year prior to your application for EB-1C.
However, you would have likely spent recent years working in the US under H-1B.
This means you would need to return to your country to work in an executive capacity in order to apply under the EB-1C category.
Green cards issued for the EB-1C category for multinational executives and managers are not eligible for premium processing.
Application Process: H1B to EB1
The application process for the EB-1 green card can be overwhelming, and USCIS looks at application packages carefully.
You should not apply for the EB-1 green card as soon as you are approved for the H-1B as you will most likely be denied. A qualified immigration attorney can advise you on all aspects of the green card process including priority dates, immigration laws, required documents, and timelines. The basic steps of the application process are to:
- File the petition
- Gather your documents
- Apply to adjust your status
Once you determine your eligibility for an EB-1 green card, you can submit your required documentation, petition, and fees to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, or USCIS.
For most categories, you will need a sponsor such as an employer to petition on your behalf. Your US employer must be the same employer you work for.
The petitioning employer will file the I-140 on your behalf with the USCIS. For some categories, you may be able to self-petition. Once your petition is approved you can file form I-485 to adjust your status from H-1B to EB-1.
Processing Times for the EB-1 Green Card
You will need to wait for your priority date to become current before you can submit your application. Although this stage of the application process can take up to a year in some cases, EB-1 priority dates are usually current. The Department of State provides final action dates in their monthly bulletin so you can monitor your priority date status.
Once your green card application is submitted, you may need to wait between four to twelve months to receive a decision.
Keep in mind that if you are outside of the United States when your priority date becomes current, you will need to apply using consular processing. In some cases, consular processing can actually be faster than simply adjusting your status. Some employment-based green cards may be able to be expedited with premium processing services.
How Can Total Law Help?
With Total Law, immigration services are provided by our team of expert immigration lawyers who can assist you in your path to a US green card.
Your Total Law advisor will provide you with current advice on H-1B holders and help you to put together an application package for the EB-1 with the highest chances of success.
For further information, contact us today at +1 844 290 6312 or use our online contact form to get in touch with our team of qualified immigration lawyers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
In order to be eligible to sponsor you for the EB-1 visa, your employer must be the same company or a branch of the parent company that employs you in your country. The company must conduct business in both countries to qualify.
There is not an exact salary requirement for the EB-1 category, although USCIS will compare your salary among others in your field. You should demonstrate that you command a significantly high salary or remuneration in your industry. Your finances will be taken into consideration and you will need to submit pay stubs, tax documents, accountant letters, and other financial documents as part of your supporting evidence.
Some of the costs associated with becoming a lawful permanent resident in the US under the EB-1 green card may include:
- I-140 fee for adjustment of status or consular processing: $345.00
- I-485 basic filing fee: varies depending on the applicant’s age
- Affidavit of Support fee: $120.00
- Attorney fees
- Fees for translation of documents
- Travel costs
