A university professor or researcher with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business or athletics will qualify for this EB-1 subcategory if they can show a sustained national or international acclaim with recognized achievements.  A job offer nor a PERM are necessary to apply for this category.

A - Requirements

The foreign national must prove that he is extraordinary by meeting at least 3 of the following criteria:

1. Receipt of national or internationally recognized prizes or awards;
2. Membership in associations that require outstanding achievements to its members;
3. Published material in professional publications written by others about the applicant’s work;
4. Participation as a judge of the work of others;
5. Original scientific, scholastic, artistic, athletic or business related contributions of major significance;
6. Authorship of scholarly books or articles in the field;
7. Artistic exhibitions or showcases;
8. Performance in a leading or cultural role for organizations or establishments that have a distinguished reputation;
9. High salary or remuneration in relation to others in the field; or
10. Commercial success in the performing arts.

B - Remarks

1. No job offer is required to apply for this category.  A foreign national can self-petition.
2. This category is exempt from the PERM or labor certification with the Department of Labor.  This reduces the processing time in approximately 6 months.
3. This category requires a very high standard of proof as the individual must be one of that small percentage who have risen to the very top of their field of work.
4. Normally there is an immediate green card available for this category regardless of the country of origin.  For green card availability please check the Visa Bulletin published by the Department of State at: http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/bulletin/bulletin_1360.html