Extraordinary individuals visa for individuals who have extraordinary ability. PERM is not required.
Qualifications
- Must prove extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, demonstrated by sustained or international acclaim.
- Must seek to continue working in the area of extraordinary ability and show that the work will substantially benefit the U.S. Can self-sponsor; employer not needed.
- Must meet at least three of the following criteria:
- Nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards
- Membership in associations in the field that require outstanding achievements
- Authorship of scholarly articles in the field
- Published material about you in professional or major trade publications
- Participation on a panel as the judge of the work of others in the field
- Original scientific, scholarly, artistic, athletic, or business-related contributions of major significance
- Author of scholarly articles in the field
- Employment in a leading or critical capacity for organizations or establishments that have a distinguished reputation
- Commanding a high salary or other compensation compared to others in the field
- Commercial success in the performing arts
Timeline
- On average this takes 4-6 weeks to put together and file with USCIS. Regular processing time is 10-15 months. Premium Processing is available which reduces processing time to 15 days. Requests for Evidence are common.
- Following the approval of the immigrant visa petition with USCIS, the processing of applicant’s and their immediate family’s individual applications for permanent residence with USCIS or immigrant visas abroad generally take several additional months.
