Houston EB-1 Visa Lawyer

If you are an industry professional seeking a way to live and work in the United States, an EB-1 visa might be the ideal solution. Reserved for individuals who have been recognized for “extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics,” EB-1 visas provide a direct path towards obtaining permanent residency in the U.S. If you qualify, your family may also be eligible. 

An experienced Houston EB-1 visa lawyer with access to local resources and partnerships could help you navigate the strict requirements of applying for an EB-1 visa, reducing your likelihood of denial due to application errors. Contact J. Lopez Law today to connect with an experienced visa attorney who could help you meet proof requirements and file all the necessary forms within the required timelines. 

What is an EB-1 Visa?

The EB-1 visa, also known as a first preference visa, is a non-immigrant visa that allows individuals to establish lawful permanent residency to live and work in the United States. Eligibility for the EB-1 visa is based on extraordinary abilities in specific fields or areas of knowledge. To qualify for an EB-1 visa, applicants must meet one of three requirements, including having a documented outstanding ability, being an outstanding professor or researcher, or being a multinational executive or manager. Assistance from a Houston lawyer is often necessary to establish proof of appraisal for EB-1 visa qualifications. 

Who is Eligible for an EB-1 Visa?

EB-1 visas are reserved for acclaimed professionals in certain fields, and only individuals who can provide proof of appraisal documentation are eligible.

Individuals with an Extraordinary Ability

The EB-1A visa is reserved for individuals with an extraordinary ability in the field of science, education, athletics, business, or arts. Applicants must present at least three of the following proofs of appraisal:

  • A distinguished national or international excellence award (can be in the form of a letter from the presenting committee)
  • Active membership in an association requiring a high level of performance
  • Professional achievements published in a highly regarded publication or major media outlet
  • Participation in judging others’ work individually or as part of a panel
  • Work that has been part of an art exhibition or major display
  • Leadership role in an organization
  • Commercial success in the performing arts
  • Higher pay rate than others in the field

All forms of appraisal must be related to the ability mentioned in the application.

Professors or Researchers with Outstanding Acclaim

The EB-1B visa is designated for acclaimed professors and researchers. Applicants in this category must provide two of the following forms of documentation to be eligible:

  • Grand prizes or awards for a critically acclaimed achievement
  • Active membership in an association that requires a high level of performance
  • Published professional achievements in a highly regarded publication or major media outlet
  • Authentic scientific or scholarly research contribution to the field
  • Proof of written articles or books distributed intentionally in the field
  • Published material of your professional work written by someone else

All forms of documentation must be related to the applicant’s specific field of study.

Multinational Managers and Executives

The EB-1C visa is reserved for multinational managers and executives who meet certain criteria. Applicants in this category must have been employed for at least one year out of the three previous years by a firm or corporation that they will continue to work for in the U.S. They must also hold a title of manager or executive and work for the same company or one of its affiliate companies or subsidiaries when entering the U.S.

If you have questions about your EB-1 visa eligibility, contact our firm to consult a seasoned Houston attorney.

Contact a Dedicated Houston Lawyer for Assistance with the EB-1 Visa Application Process

An EB-1 visa application does not require a job offer or employee sponsorship, eliminating the need for a labor certification. However, meeting the requirements for proving acclaimed status can be complicated. Hiring a Houston EB-1 visa lawyer before starting the process could help you navigate the application more efficiently. 

The visa attorneys at J. Lopez Law have substantial experience in handling all the requirements of EB-1 visa applications. Our team is dedicated to helping immigrants achieve their dreams of working and living in the U.S. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your eligibility for an EB-1 visa.