From Application to Approval: Brooklyn, NY Lawyer’s Guide to EB-1A Green Cards
The EB-1A Green Card is one of the most sought-after immigration options for individuals with extraordinary ability in their field. Unlike other employment-based visas, it allows applicants to self-petition without relying on employer sponsorship, making it especially valuable for accomplished professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, and artists.
For those in Brooklyn, NY, the EB-1A offers a direct path to permanent residency in the United States, along with opportunities for career advancement and family stability. However, the process requires careful preparation and a strong presentation of evidence. This Guide to EB-1A Green Cards from Regev Law provides applicants with insights into qualifications, documentation, and legal strategies. With the support of a trusted Brooklyn immigration lawyer at Regev Law, applicants can move from application to approval with greater confidence and success.
What Is the EB-1A Green Card?
The EB-1A is part of the first-preference employment-based visa category. Unlike other categories, the EB-1A allows for self-petition if applicants can demonstrate that they have risen to the very top of their field [1].
Key Advantages of the EB-1A Green Card
No job offer required
Direct path to permanent residency
Faster processing than many other Green Card categories
Eligibility for family members (spouse and unmarried children under 21)
Guide to EB-1A Green Cards
This Guide to EB-1A Green Cards is designed to help extraordinary ability applicants understand the process from start to finish. It outlines the eligibility criteria, the types of documentation required, and the legal strategies that strengthen an application.
Key points covered in this Guide to EB-1A Green Cards include:
Who qualifies and what USCIS looks for in applicants.
The types of evidence that can support a petition.
The benefits of self-petition without employer sponsorship.
The importance of legal guidance to avoid delays or denials.
By reviewing this Guide to EB-1A Green Cards, applicants gain clarity on each step of the process and can prepare more effectively for a successful outcome.
Who Qualifies for an EB-1A Green Card in Brooklyn, NY?
Extraordinary Ability Standard
To qualify, applicants must show sustained national or international acclaim. USCIS outlines 10 categories of evidence, and applicants must provide proof for at least 3 of them (or a one-time major achievement like a Nobel Prize) [1].
Common Fields of EB-1A Applicants in Brooklyn, NY
Medical professionals with groundbreaking research or publications
Entrepreneurs with national recognition and patents
Artists or performers with international acclaim
Athletes with recognized awards and championships
Educators or scientists shaping their fields through innovation
Step-by-Step EB-1A Application Process
Step 1: Case Evaluation
An immigration attorney in Brooklyn, NY can assess your background and achievements to determine if they align with EB-1A requirements. A strong case often depends on framing accomplishments in a way that meets USCIS standards.
Step 2: Collecting Evidence
Applicants must submit proof of extraordinary ability. Common evidence includes:
Major awards or honors
Published articles or research
Media coverage highlighting achievements
Membership in associations requiring outstanding accomplishments
Letters of recommendation from experts in the field
Step 3: Filing Form I-140
The I-140 Immigrant Petition is filed with USCIS. This petition is critical because it establishes your eligibility for the EB-1A category.
Step 4: Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing
If living in the U.S. (e.g., Brooklyn, NY), you may file Form I-485 for Adjustment of Status once your priority date is current.
If living abroad, consular processing will be required.
Step 5: USCIS Review and Approval
The petition undergoes USCIS evaluation. With strong evidence and legal guidance, many applicants achieve approval more efficiently and without unnecessary delays [1].
Ready to find out if you qualify?
Request your Free EB-1A & EB-2 NIW Assessment with Regev Law today.
Challenges in the EB-1A Process
Meeting the Extraordinary Ability Standard
The EB-1A is one of the most selective Green Card categories. Applicants must show they are part of a very small percentage of individuals who have reached the very top of their field. This requires not only outstanding achievements but also proof that those accomplishments are recognized nationally or internationally [1].
Documentation Burden
A successful EB-1A application requires a significant amount of evidence. USCIS looks for strong, well-documented proof such as awards, publications, press coverage, and professional memberships. Even highly qualified applicants may receive a Request for Evidence (RFE) if their petition is not carefully organized and supported. This is why detailed preparation is critical to success.
Legal Complexity
The EB-1A petition is not just about listing achievements. It requires presenting those accomplishments in a way that fits the strict criteria outlined by USCIS. Many applicants in Brooklyn, NY find this step to be one of the most challenging, since the difference between approval and denial often depends on how evidence is argued. Working with an experienced immigration lawyer can help ensure that a case is both complete and persuasive.
Why Work With a Trusted Immigration Lawyer in Brooklyn, NY?
Expert Knowledge of EB-1A Standards
The EB-1A Green Card has one of the highest eligibility thresholds among U.S. immigration categories. Immigration attorneys understand the specific language and standards that USCIS officers use when reviewing petitions. They know how to frame accomplishments, whether in science, business, medicine, or the arts, in a way that highlights extraordinary ability and demonstrates sustained recognition.
Strong Petition Preparation
A lawyer doesn’t just gather documents; they help build a cohesive and compelling narrative. This includes carefully preparing letters of recommendation, organizing publications, highlighting awards, and showcasing media recognition. A petition that clearly connects all of this evidence together can make the difference between approval and a request for additional evidence.
Local and Accessible
Choosing a Brooklyn-based immigration attorney provides more than just convenience. It ensures personalized service tailored to local professionals and families. Firms like Regev Law – Immigration Attorney in Brooklyn, NY combine national immigration law expertise with a trusted local presence. This means applicants get both the depth of knowledge needed for complex EB-1A petitions and the accessibility of working with an attorney in their own community.
Why You Need a Guide to EB-1A Green Cards
For many applicants, understanding the EB-1A process can feel overwhelming. A clear and reliable Guide to EB-1A Green Cards helps break down the complex requirements into manageable steps. From eligibility standards to documentation and petition preparation, having a guide ensures you don’t miss critical details that could delay or jeopardize your case.
This Guide to EB-1A Green Cards also highlights the importance of legal representation. With the support of an experienced immigration attorney, applicants can frame their accomplishments in a way that aligns with USCIS expectations, increasing their chances of approval. For professionals, researchers, and entrepreneurs in Brooklyn, NY, a strong guide combined with trusted legal counsel can make the path to permanent residency much more achievable.
FAQs About EB-1A Green Cards in Brooklyn, NY
How long does the EB-1A process take in Brooklyn, NY?
Processing times vary, but applicants can often expect a timeline of 8–14 months, depending on USCIS workload and the completeness of the petition [1].
Do I need a job offer for the EB-1A Green Card?
No. Like the EB-2 NIW, the EB-1A allows for self-petition without employer sponsorship.
Can my family apply with me?
Yes. Spouses and unmarried children under 21 can also gain permanent residency through the principal applicant.
What type of evidence is strongest for EB-1A applications?
Awards, publications, patents, media coverage, and strong recommendation letters are among the most persuasive forms of evidence.
Why hire an immigration lawyer in Brooklyn, NY for EB-1A?
An attorney ensures that your petition is strategically prepared, fully documented, and presented in a way that aligns with USCIS evaluation criteria.
Conclusion: From Application to Approval in Brooklyn, NY
The EB-1A Green Card is one of the most respected pathways to U.S. permanent residency, reserved for individuals who can demonstrate extraordinary ability in their field. For professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, and artists in Brooklyn, NY, it provides an opportunity to live and work in the United States while continuing to build on their achievements.
While the EB-1A offers unique advantages such as self-petition and a faster route to permanent residency, it also comes with strict eligibility requirements and a heavy burden of proof. This is why working with a knowledgeable immigration attorney can make a meaningful difference.
At Regev Law – Immigration Attorney in Brooklyn, NY, we guide clients through every step of the EB-1A process, from preparing evidence to filing petitions and responding to USCIS requests. Our goal is to give applicants the best chance of success by presenting a strong and persuasive case. With this Guide to EB-1A Green Cards, Regev Law provides applicants with the clarity, legal strategy, and support they need to confidently pursue permanent residency.
If you are ready to take the next step toward permanent residency, start today with a Free EB-1A and EB-2 NIW Assessment and learn how Regev Law can support your immigration journey.
References
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (2025). Green Card Eligibility Categories. Retrieved from https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-eligibility-categories
Cleveland Clinic (2024). Healthcare Workforce and Immigration in the U.S. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org