Jinee Green Card
Your Trusted
Immigration Partner
EB1A Mini Handbook
Your Step-by-Step Guide to the
U.S. Extraordinary Ability Green Card
No Sponsor
Needed
Fastest
Path
Self-
Petition
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Jinee Green Card
What is the EB1A Visa?
The EB1A (Employment Based First Preference, Extraordinary Ability) visa is a U.S. green card for individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary ability in science, business, arts, education, or athletics.
Unlike most U.S. immigration categories, EB1A allows self-petitioning . You can apply directly without an employer sponsor.
Fastest Path
Priority processing to U.S. Green Card
No Sponsor
Full employer independence
Dual Intent
Apply while on H-1B, F-1, or O-1A
Concurrent Filing
I-140 + I-485 simultaneously
Who Qualifies?
✓ A record of extraordinary achievement
✓ Intent to continue work in area of expertise in the U.S.
✓ Presence will substantially benefit the United States
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Jinee Green Card
Eligibility Framework
Two paths to qualify for EB1A extraordinary ability
PATH 1
One-Time Major
Achievement
◆ Nobel Prize
◆ Academy Award (Oscar)
◆ Olympic Medal
◆ Pulitzer Prize
OR
PATH 2
Meet at Least
3 of 10 Criteria
1. Awards
2. Memberships
3. Media Coverage
4. Judging
5. Contributions
6. Publications
7. Exhibitions
8. Leadership
9. High Salary
10. Commercial Success
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◆ and Final Merits
Jinee Green Card
The 10 EB1A Criteria at a Glance
You must satisfy at least 3 to qualify
01
Prizes & Awards
02
Selective Memberships
03
Major Media Coverage
04
Judging Others' Work
05
Original Contributions
06
Scholarly Articles
07
Artistic Exhibitions
08
Leadership Role
09
High Salary
10
Commercial Success
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Jinee Green Card
Criteria Deep Dive
01 Prizes & Awards
02 Selective Memberships
03 Major Media Coverage
jineegreencard.com | EB1A Extraordinary Ability
Jinee Green Card
Criteria Deep Dive
04 Judging Others
05 Original Contributions
06 Scholarly Articles
jineegreencard.com | EB1A Extraordinary Ability
Jinee Green Card
Criteria Deep Dive
07 Exhibitions
08 Leadership Role
09 High Salary
10 Commercial Success
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Jinee Green Card
Step by Step Process
1
Profile
Evaluation
Assess your credentials against all 10 EB1A criteria
2
Collect
Evidence
Proof, context, and references for each criterion
3
Recommendation
Letters
Letters from independent experts & collaborators
4
Prepare
Form I-140
Petition letter, exhibits, filing fees, and cover letter
5
Adjustment
of Status
File I-485 in U.S. or Consular Processing abroad
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Jinee Green Card
Recommendation Letters
A cornerstone of a winning EB1A petition
Strong and well Positioned
Letters Required
Independent Experts
Not your supervisor — unbiased external recognition
Supervisors / Collaborators
People who worked with you and can attest to your role
Industry Leaders
Recognised authorities who know your field-wide impact
Each letter must include: Expert credentials · How they know your work · Your contributions & impact · Peer comparison · Future U.S. potential
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Jinee Green Card
Preparing Your I-140 Petition
Form I-140
Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker - the main USCIS form
EB1A Petition Letter
Legal summary of all achievements, structured per criteria
Exhibits Package
Organised evidence for each of the criteria you are claiming
Recommendation Letters
6–10 expert letters (academic + industry versions)
Filing Fees + Cover Letter
Current USCIS fees + professional cover letter
💡 Pro Tip: USCIS values 'impact' — always connect every piece of evidence to how it demonstrates your influence or recognition.
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Jinee Green Card
Strategic Tips for a Winning Petition
Build Your Narrative
Frame your story around impact — how your work influences your field, benefits society, or advances technology and science.
Quality Over Quantity
You don't need 20 papers or 50 awards — just strong, verifiable proof that your work is exceptional and recognised.
Avoid Boilerplate Letters
USCIS can spot template-style letters. Customise every recommendation with your real story and specific evidence.
Maintain Documentation
Keep digital and printed copies of everything: citations, awards, screenshots of judging invitations, media mentions, etc.
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Jinee
Green Card
Your Trusted Partner
for EB1A Extraordinary
Ability Green Card
Start Your Journey Today
The EB1A journey is about positioning yourself
as an extraordinary contributor not just a
high achiever.
With the right documentation, storytelling, and
expert guidance, your achievements can translate
into a compelling Green Card case.
Get Started → jineegreencard.com