EB-1A Success Stories in Brooklyn, NY: Lessons from Extraordinary Ability Applicants
For many highly accomplished professionals, researchers, and entrepreneurs in Brooklyn, the EB-1A Green Card offers a powerful pathway to permanent residency in the United States. This visa category is reserved for individuals who can demonstrate “extraordinary ability” in their field — those who have achieved sustained national or international recognition.
Unlike most other employment-based visas, the EB-1A allows applicants to self-petition, meaning you don’t need an employer sponsor. This unique feature makes it especially attractive to independent professionals, innovators, and business leaders. In this article, we’ll highlight what makes the EB-1A so valuable, explore key application strategies, and share insights from a recent EB-1A approval story that has inspired many professionals across the country.
Who Qualifies for the EB-1A Green Card?
Defining “Extraordinary Ability”
USCIS defines “extraordinary ability” as being part of the small percentage at the very top of one’s field. Applicants must show proof through major awards, media features, memberships, publications, or original contributions that significantly impact their profession.
Common Fields of Approval
EB-1A applicants often work in:
Medical research and healthcare innovation
Science and technology
Arts, film, or music
Business leadership and entrepreneurship
Education and policy development
Self-Petition Advantage
Unlike the EB-2 NIW, which requires proving a benefit to the national interest, the EB-1A stands solely on extraordinary ability. This makes it highly appealing for self-employed professionals in Brooklyn who want to pursue opportunities without employer sponsorship.
A Real EB-1A Success Story
One of the most inspiring EB-1A journeys shared recently comes from Arjun Lalwani, a product leader at Google, who documented his EB-1A approval process in a widely read Medium article.
In his post, Navigating the EB-1A Process, Arjun describes the challenges of preparing his petition, the importance of self-assessment, and the role of legal strategy in presenting evidence effectively. His story highlights the following lessons for applicants:
Conduct a thorough self-assessment – Rate your chances across each EB-1A criterion and improve weak areas before filing.
Craft a compelling narrative – Your application isn’t just about documents; it’s about connecting achievements into a persuasive story.
Learn from past USCIS decisions – Reviewing prior approvals and denials can help avoid common mistakes.
Choose the right lawyer – Partnering with an experienced EB-1A attorney increases the chance of a clean approval without RFEs.
By the end of his journey, Arjun’s petition was approved without a Request for Evidence, demonstrating the value of careful planning and professional support.
Building a Strong EB-1A Application
Key Documentation
Successful EB-1A petitions often include:
Evidence of major awards or nominations
Membership in exclusive professional organizations
Published material about the applicant’s work in major outlets
Original contributions of major significance
Authorship of scholarly articles
Participation as a judge or evaluator of others in the field
Recommendation Letters
Letters from respected experts remain one of the most persuasive parts of an EB-1A petition. These letters validate the applicant’s accomplishments and provide credibility in the eyes of USCIS.
Legal Strategy Matters
Even highly qualified candidates struggle to organize their evidence persuasively. A Brooklyn immigration lawyer ensures that your achievements are presented in line with USCIS criteria — preventing denials caused by poor case structure.
Why Work With a Brooklyn Immigration Lawyer?
Local Representation With National Expertise
Working with a Brooklyn-based immigration attorney offers both accessibility and deep knowledge of national EB-1A requirements. Firms like Regev Law – Immigration Attorney in Brooklyn, NY have helped professionals across industries prepare strong petitions that highlight their extraordinary ability.
Improving Approval Success
A skilled immigration lawyer will:
Tailor your case strategy to your field
Anticipate challenges from USCIS
Organize evidence in the most persuasive way
The EB-1A Application Process
Case Evaluation – Reviewing eligibility and field-specific recognition
Evidence Collection – Gathering awards, media features, and expert letters
Petition Filing – Submitting Form I-140 with supporting documentation
Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing – Completing permanent residency steps after approval
How Long Does the EB-1A Process Take in Brooklyn, NY?
Standard USCIS Processing: 8–14 months on average
Premium Processing: Optional 15-day review for Form I-140 (does not guarantee approval)
Adjustment of Status: Additional months for applicants already in the U.S.
Careful preparation at every stage helps avoid unnecessary delays.
Conclusion: Turning Extraordinary Ability Into Residency
The EB-1A Green Card offers an incredible opportunity for top professionals in Brooklyn, NY to secure permanent residency without employer sponsorship. While the criteria are demanding, success stories like Arjun Lalwani’s EB-1A approval prove that with the right preparation and legal guidance, this path is achievable.
At Regev Law – Immigration Attorney in Brooklyn, NY, we help extraordinary individuals build strong EB-1A petitions by tailoring evidence presentation and guiding applicants through every step of the process. If you’re ready to explore whether you qualify, we invite you to request a Free EB-1A & EB-2 NIW Assessment today.