# EB1A.app - AI-Powered EB-1A Visa Eligibility Assessment > EB1A.app is a free AI-powered tool that helps individuals assess their eligibility for the EB-1A extraordinary ability visa. ## Pages - [Home](/): Free AI-powered EB-1A visa eligibility assessment. - [Quick Assessment](/quick-assessment): Take the 10-minute EB-1A eligibility test. - [About EB-1A](/about): What the EB-1A visa is, criteria, costs, and timeline. - [FAQ](/faq): Common questions about EB-1A eligibility and process. - [Blog](/blog): In-depth articles on EB-1A strategy, evidence, and policy. - [EB-1A Criteria Checklist](/resources/eb1a-criteria-checklist): All 10 USCIS criteria with evidence guidance. - [EB-1A for Software Engineers](/eb1a-for-software-engineers): Eligibility guide for tech professionals. - [EB-1A for Researchers](/eb1a-for-researchers): Eligibility guide for researchers and scientists. - [EB-1A for Physicians](/eb1a-for-physicians): Eligibility guide for medical doctors. - [EB-1A for Entrepreneurs](/eb1a-for-entrepreneurs): Eligibility guide for founders and business leaders. - [EB-1A for Artists](/eb1a-for-artists): Eligibility guide for creative professionals. - [Security & Trust](/security): How EB1A.app protects your data. - [Contact](/contact): Get in touch with the EB1A.app team. - [Privacy Policy](/privacy-policy): How we handle your data. - [Terms of Service](/terms-of-service): Terms for using EB1A.app. ## 2026 Policy & News Coverage - [Mukherji v. Miller Ruling Explained](/blog/mukherji-v-miller-eb1a-ruling-2026): USCIS withdrew its appeal in July 2026; the final-merits-determination framework was struck down. - [EB-1A Proposed Rule RIN 1615-AC85](/blog/eb1a-proposed-rule-rin-1615-ac85): What the regulatory-agenda entry means — and does not mean — for current filers. - [July 2026 Visa Bulletin: EB-1 India Retrogression](/blog/july-2026-visa-bulletin-eb1-india-retrogression): EB-1 India moved back to Oct 2022; EB-2 and EB-5 India unavailable for FY26. - [Is There a "Higher Bar" for EB-1A in 2026?](/blog/eb1a-higher-bar-myth-2026): Rumor vs. what the regulations actually require after Mukherji. - [EB-1A vs EB-2 NIW in 2026](/blog/eb1a-vs-eb2-niw-2026-strategy): Current-year comparison with post-retrogression strategy by nationality and profile. ## About EB1A.app EB1A.app provides an automated assessment of your qualifications against the 10 USCIS EB-1A criteria. Our AI analyzes publicly available information about your achievements, publications, patents, awards, and professional recognition to give you an instant eligibility score. ### Key Features - Free EB-1A eligibility assessment in 10 minutes - AI-powered analysis of your professional achievements - Evaluation against all 10 USCIS criteria - Personalized recommendations for strengthening your case - Evidence library for organizing documentation - Action items and progress tracking - Recommendation letter generation - RFE (Request for Evidence) simulator - Attorney collaboration tools ## EB-1A Visa Information ### What is the EB-1A Visa? The EB-1A visa is a first-preference employment-based immigrant visa for individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. It provides a direct path to a U.S. green card without requiring employer sponsorship. ### EB-1A Requirements To qualify for EB-1A, applicants must demonstrate extraordinary ability through: - Meeting at least 3 of 10 USCIS criteria, OR - Evidence of a one-time major achievement (Nobel Prize, Olympic Medal, etc.) ### The 10 EB-1A Criteria 1. Awards or prizes for excellence 2. Membership in associations requiring outstanding achievement 3. Published material about you in professional or major media 4. Judging the work of others in your field 5. Original contributions of major significance 6. Scholarly articles in professional journals 7. Artistic exhibitions or showcases 8. Leading or critical role in distinguished organizations 9. High salary or remuneration 10. Commercial success in performing arts ### EB-1A Processing Time - Regular processing: 6-12 months - Premium processing: 15 business days ($2,805 fee) ### EB-1A Costs - I-140 filing fee: $700 - Premium processing (optional): $2,805 - Attorney fees: $5,000-$15,000 (optional) - I-485 adjustment of status: $1,225 + $85 biometrics ### EB-1A Approval Rates - Current approval rate: approximately 55-60% - RFE (Request for Evidence) rate: approximately 40% - Denial rate: approximately 25-30% ### EB-1A vs EB-2 NIW Comparison | Factor | EB-1A | EB-2 NIW | |--------|-------|----------| | Standard | Extraordinary ability | Exceptional ability + National Interest | | Evidence Bar | Higher | Moderate | | Job Offer Required | No | No | | Processing Priority | First preference | Second preference | | Typical Timeline | 6-12 months | 12-24 months | ## Common EB-1A Questions ### Who qualifies for EB-1A? Individuals at the top of their field with sustained national or international acclaim. This includes researchers, scientists, engineers, artists, athletes, and business professionals who can demonstrate extraordinary ability. ### Do I need a job offer for EB-1A? No. EB-1A allows self-petition without employer sponsorship or labor certification. ### Do I need a PhD for EB-1A? No. There is no education requirement. Your achievements and recognition matter more than degrees. ### Do I need a lawyer to file EB-1A? No. EB-1A allows self-petition. Many applicants file without an attorney. However, an experienced immigration lawyer can strengthen your evidence package. ### How much does EB-1A cost? The USCIS I-140 filing fee is $700. Premium processing adds $2,805. Attorney fees range from $5,000 to $15,000. Total cost ranges from $700 (self-petition) to approximately $20,000 with premium processing and legal representation. ### What is an RFE (Request for Evidence)? An RFE is a request from USCIS for additional documentation. It's not a denial - it's an opportunity to strengthen your case. Common RFE response deadline is 87 days. ### What is the difference between EB-1A and O-1 visa? EB-1A leads to permanent residency (green card) while O-1 is a temporary work visa. EB-1A allows self-petition; O-1 requires employer sponsorship. ### What is the difference between EB-1A and EB-1B? EB-1A is for individuals with extraordinary ability (self-petition allowed). EB-1B is for outstanding professors and researchers (requires employer sponsorship and 3+ years of experience in teaching or research). ### How can I strengthen my EB-1A case? - Focus on your 3-5 strongest criteria with comprehensive documentation - Include comparative data showing your standing in the field - Obtain expert recommendation letters from recognized authorities - Document adoption and impact of your contributions - Organize evidence clearly with tabs for each criterion ### What are common EB-1A denial reasons? - Insufficient evidence of extraordinary ability - Failure to demonstrate sustained acclaim - Weak or generic recommendation letters - Poor organization of evidence - Not meeting the 3-criteria threshold ### Can software engineers qualify for EB-1A? Yes. Software engineers at top companies, open-source contributors, and tech leaders frequently qualify through original contributions (criterion 5), high salary (criterion 9), leading roles (criterion 8), scholarly articles (criterion 6), and judging (criterion 4). ### Can physicians qualify for EB-1A? Yes. Physicians with clinical research publications, board certifications, medical innovations, and leadership at hospitals or academic medical centers can satisfy multiple EB-1A criteria. ### Can entrepreneurs qualify for EB-1A? Yes. Startup founders and business leaders can qualify through business impact, high compensation, patents, industry awards, media coverage, and leading roles in distinguished organizations. ## Profession-Specific EB-1A Guides - EB-1A for Software Engineers: https://eb1a.app/eb1a-for-software-engineers - EB-1A for Researchers & Scientists: https://eb1a.app/eb1a-for-researchers - EB-1A for Physicians & Doctors: https://eb1a.app/eb1a-for-physicians - EB-1A for Entrepreneurs: https://eb1a.app/eb1a-for-entrepreneurs - EB-1A for Artists & Creatives: https://eb1a.app/eb1a-for-artists ## Contact Website: https://eb1a.app Assessment Tool: https://eb1a.app/quick-assessment About: https://eb1a.app/about Contact: https://eb1a.app/contact Blog: https://eb1a.app/blog FAQ: https://eb1a.app/faq ## Documentation - EB-1A Criteria Checklist: https://eb1a.app/resources/eb1a-criteria-checklist - Complete EB-1A Guide: https://eb1a.app/blog/complete-eb1a-criteria-guide - EB-1A for Tech Professionals: https://eb1a.app/blog/eb1a-for-tech-professionals - EB-1A FAQ: https://eb1a.app/blog/eb1a-frequently-asked-questions - EB-1A Processing Times: https://eb1a.app/blog/eb1a-processing-time-2025 - EB-1A vs EB-2 NIW: https://eb1a.app/blog/eb1a-vs-eb2-niw-comparison - EB-1A Recommendation Letters: https://eb1a.app/blog/eb1a-recommendation-letters-guide - EB-1A Evidence Guide: https://eb1a.app/blog/eb1a-evidence-documentation-guide - EB-1A RFE Guide: https://eb1a.app/blog/eb1a-rfe-guide - EB-1A Fees & Costs: https://eb1a.app/blog/eb1a-filing-fees-cost-guide - EB-1A Premium Processing: https://eb1a.app/blog/eb1a-premium-processing-guide - EB-1A Salary Requirements: https://eb1a.app/blog/eb1a-salary-requirements - EB-1A Approval Rates: https://eb1a.app/blog/eb1a-approval-denial-rates - EB-1A vs EB-1B: https://eb1a.app/blog/eb1a-vs-eb1b-comparison - EB-1A Self-Petition Guide: https://eb1a.app/blog/eb1a-self-petition-complete-guide - EB-1A for Physicians: https://eb1a.app/blog/eb1a-for-physicians - EB-1A Citation Strategy: https://eb1a.app/blog/eb1a-citation-impact-strategy - Find EB-1A Lawyers: https://eb1a.app/blog/find-eb1a-immigration-lawyers