EB-1 Green Card: The Premium Pathway to U.S. Permanent Residency

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The EB-1 immigrant visa is the "Gold Standard" of U.S. immigration. Designed for individuals with extraordinary ability, outstanding researchers, and multinational executives, it offers a direct path to a Green Card without the need for a years-long PERM labor certification.

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At The Law Office of Andrew R. Sones, we understand that an EB-1 petition is more than a set of forms—it is the culmination of your life’s work. Our founder, Andrew R. Sones, is a California-licensed attorney who navigated the U.S. immigration system personally as a British national. We bring that "lived experience" to every petition, ensuring your achievements are framed to meet the highest standards of USCIS scrutiny.

 

The Three Categories of EB-1 Eligibility

The EB-1 category is divided into three distinct pathways. Each has its own rigorous evidentiary standards:

• EB-1A: Extraordinary Ability: For those in the top of their field in science, arts, education, business, or athletics. This category allows for "self-petitioning," meaning no U.S. employer is required.

• EB-1B: Outstanding Professors & Researchers: For those with international recognition in a specific academic field and at least three years of experience in teaching or research.

• EB-1C: Multinational Managers & Executives: For high-level leaders transferred to a U.S. office of a multinational company.

 

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Navigating the "Two-Step" Kazarian Review

Current USCIS adjudication follows a complex "two-step" analysis. Understanding this framework is the difference between a denial and an approval.

 

Step 1: The Quantitative Review (The "3 of 10" Rule) For EB-1A, you must provide evidence for at least three of ten regulatory criteria, such as major awards, authorship of scholarly articles, or a high salary relative to your peers.

 

Step 2: The Final Merits Determination Even if you meet the initial criteria, USCIS performs a subjective "Final Merits Determination" to see if you truly stand at the top of your field. Note: Recent 2026 federal court rulings, such as Mukherji v. Miller, have challenged how USCIS applies this step, specifically regarding "recency" of achievements. We stay at the forefront of these legal shifts to ensure your petition is built on the most current litigation standards.

 

Why Choose The Law Office of Andrew R. Sones?

• Lived Experience: Andrew R. Sones successfully transitioned from a visa holder to an attorney. He knows the anxiety of a pending petition firsthand.

• Litigation-Focused Strategy: We don't just "check boxes." We curate a cohesive narrative designed to withstand the "Final Merits" scrutiny that leads to many denials for unrepresented applicants.

• Zero-Fluff Adjudication Preparation: We focus on objective, verifiable metrics—citations, independent media coverage, and measurable industry impact—to build a "bulletproof" I-140 filing.

 

Start Your EB-1 Evaluation Today

The path to extraordinary status is complex, and the stakes are permanent. We invite you to schedule a confidential strategy session to review your record and determine your best path forward.

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Click Here to Book a Strategy Session.

 

View EB-1 FAQ

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• The Law Office of Andrew R. Sones is located in Delray Beach, Florida.

• Attorney Advertising: Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. The information on this page is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice or an attorney-client relationship.

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