Extraordinary Ability:

Certain persons may qualify for permanent residence by establishing that possess extraordinary ability.  The petition filed with the USCIS must be accompanied by evidence that the alien has sustained national or international acclaim and that his or her achievements have been recognized in the field of expertise. Individuals who qualify for this preference category can obtain a Green Card without the lengthy delays involved in the normal Labor Certification process.

Requirements: Evidence to support an extraordinary ability petition shall include either evidence of a major one-time achievement (that is, a major, international recognized award such as a Nobel Prize), or at least three of the following:

(1) Documentation of the aliens receipt of lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in the field of endeavor (need letters confirming awards and that they are nationally recognized);

(2) Documentation of the aliens membership in associations in the field for which classification is sought, which require outstanding achievements of their members, as judged by recognized national or international experts in their disciplines or fields;

(3) Published material about the alien in professional or major trade publications or other major media, relating to the aliens work in the field for which classification is sought. Such evidence shall include the title, date, and author of the material, and any necessary translation (in the past, we have included an authors footnote for the aliens technical assistance to satisfy this requirement);

(4) Evidence of the aliens participation, either individually or on a panel, as a judge of the work of others in the same or an allied field of specification for which classification is sought (this would include peer review of articles, grant review, etc.);

(5) Evidence of the aliens original scientific, scholarly, artistic, athletic, or business-related contributions of major significance in the field;

(6) Evidence of the aliens authorship of scholarly articles in the field, in professional or major trade publications or other major media (would need letters discussing importance of journals);

(7) Evidence of the display of the aliens work in the field at artistic exhibitions or showcases (this may include abstracts or speaking presentations at conferences);

(8) Evidence that the alien has performed in a leading or critical role for organizations or establishments that have a distinguished reputation (letter from head of your university research team that you are critical and a letter from someone else saying that your university is the best in this area);

(9) Evidence that the alien has commanded a high salary or other significantly high remuneration for services, in relation to others in the field; or

(10) Other comparable evidence, if the other standards do not readily apply to your occupation.

Sponsor: The alien can sponsor him/herself, or can be sponsored by an employer.

Family: The spouse and children under age 21 of the first preference individual also receive permanent residence.