EB-1 Extraordinary Ability Green Card
USCIS fee schedule G-1055 (edition 10/07/26): Form I-140 USD 715 paper or USD 665 online, plus the Asylum Program Fee (USD 600 regular petitioner, USD 300 small employer or self-petitioner, USD 0 nonprofit) and other fees that may apply. State Department: employment-based immigrant visa processing USD 345. USCIS says new inflation-adjusted fees take effect on October 16, 2026.≈ $715
USCIS processing-times tool: Form I-140 extraordinary ability (E11) at Service Center Operations, 80% of cases are completed within 32.5 months. Estimates differ by category and change over time.
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Source-backed requirements
Preparation
(1)Evidence of Achievement
DocumentMandatoryYou must provide evidence of a one-time achievement (such as a Pulitzer, Oscar, or Olympic Medal) or meet at least 3 of the 10 specific USCIS criteria.
Verified official
Application
(4)Demonstration of Extraordinary Ability
MandatoryYou must demonstrate extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics through sustained national or international acclaim.
Verified officialIntent to Continue Work
MandatoryYou must provide evidence showing that you will be continuing to work in the area of your expertise upon entry to the United States.
Verified officialForm I-140 Filing
MandatoryTo initiate the immigration process, the applicant must file Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, with USCIS.
Verified officialSubstantial Benefit to the U.S.
MandatoryThe petitioner must demonstrate that their entry into the United States will substantially benefit the country in their field of expertise.
Verified official
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Source citations
8 CFR 204.5 — Employment-based immigrant petitions
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (DHS)
Current regulatory text reviewed 2026-10-13: EB-1 extraordinary ability evidence, self-petition and continued work; EB-3 subcategories, qualifications and labor-certification alternatives. No current fee or waiting-time claim.
8 USC1153 — Employment-based immigrant allocation and investor requirements
Office of the Law Revision Counsel, U.S. House of Representatives
OLRC text through Public Law119-120(2026-10-07), reviewed2026-10-13: EB-1 prospective substantial benefit; EB-5 normallyUSD1,050,000 orUSD800,000 for qualifyingTEA/infrastructure, lawfulcapital,10qualifyingfulltimejobs, statutoryadjustmentbeginning2027-01-01. No current filingfee orvisaprocessingtimeclaim.
Official links
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