Latest news with #EB-1
Mint
2 hours ago
- Business
- Mint
EB-1 Visa: What is the 'Einstein visa' that agents are ‘guaranteeing'? Eligibility, categories — All you need to know
EB-1 visa: As the Donald Trump administration's crackdown on visas intensifies, attention is shifting to the EB-1 visa – with the category being touted as a suitable alternative to the H-1B visa, for those who meet the eligibility for the same. Although the EB-1 visa – colloquially known as the 'Einstein Visa' is reserved for people with 'extraordinary talent' — a report by The Print claims that a growing network of agents offering "guaranteed EB-1 visas" is flooding platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Telegram. As per the report, agents are offering ghostwriting research papers, manufacturing acclaim— all of which give researchers an edge in their visa application. What is this EB-1 visa that everyone is talking about? What makes a person eligible? Livemint explains. Colloquially known as the 'Einstein Visa', the EB-1 category is reserved for people who are 'aliens of extraordinary ability', are 'outstanding professor or researchers'. Donald Trump often uses the term "alien" to refer to non-citizens, especially undocumented immigrants. His usage is typically in the context of border security, illegal immigration, and deportation policies. The EB-1 visa, meant for the people with 'extraordinary abilities' spans across the three categories, each having its respective set of 'evidence' that a person needs to prove: Extraordinary Ability Outstanding professors and researchers Certain multinational manager or executive EB-1 Category Who can apply Eligibility Extraordinary Ability Applicant must be able to demonstrate extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics through sustained national or international acclaim Evidence of one-time achievement such as Pulitzer, Oscar is required, or evidence of 3 of the following: Receipt of lesser nationally/internationally known prizes or awards of excellence Articles or media coverage about applicant in prominent industry publications or major news outlets Documentation showing applicant was appointed to judge others' work, either independently or as part of a panel Evidence of original and significant contributions respective field Proof of authoring scholarly articles published in respected journals or major industry media Records showing work has been featured in notable exhibitions or public showcases Applicant has held a leading or essential role in reputable and distinguished organizations Documentation of high earnings or substantial compensation compared to others in the same profession Proof of commercial success in the performing arts Outstanding Professors and Researchers One must demonstrate international recognition for outstanding achievements in a particular academic field. Must have at least 3 years experience in teaching or research in that academic arena. Must be entering United States in order to pursue tenure or tenure track teaching or a comparable research position at a university, institution of higher education, or private employer. Applicant needs to meet two of the following criteria: Proof that you've received major awards or honors in recognition of your exceptional accomplishments Documentation of membership in professional associations that require notable achievements for entry Articles or publications written by others that discuss applicant's academic work in recognised journals or outlets Evidence of evaluating peers' works either independently or as part of a review panel, within your academic or related field Proof of original and impactful research or scientific contributions to the applicant's discipline Documentation showing the person has authored scholarly books or articles published in internationally circulated academic journals Certain Multinational manager or executive Must have been doing business for at least 1 year, and have a qualifying relationship to the entity the person worked for outside the US, and intend to employ you in a managerial or executive capacity. Employer must be a US employer and intends to employ the person in a managerial or executive capacity. For those applying under the Extraordinary Ability category, you need to apply yourself by filing a Form I-140, Petition for Alien Worker, states the USCIS. For the Outstanding Professors and Researchers category, the US employer is required to fill Form I-140, Petition for Alien Worker. As part of the application process, the employer is also required to demonstrate a continuing ability to pay the offered wage such as annual report, or federal income tax returns. For Multinational Manager or Executive, the US employer is required to file USCIS Form I-140, Petition for Alien Worker. The employer must also be able to demonstrate a continuing ability to pay the offered wage, as in the case of Outstanding Professors and Researchers. Although the criteria for EB-1 visa is slightly more demanding than the H-1B visa, the program is a standard means of acquiring a green card to be a US resident. With the tightening visa rules, the EB-1 visa provides a suitable alternative to H-1B visa for those who meet the required eligibility criteria.
News18
18 hours ago
- Politics
- News18
Melania Trump's EB-1 Visa Questioned Amid Crackdown On Immigrants: 'First Lady Had None...'
Last Updated: Melania Trump was Donald Trump's girlfriend when her EB-1 visa was approved. Though she is a US citizen now, her visa approval in 2001 was questioned in House Judiciary Committee. Amid Donald Trump's stringent immigration policies, criticism has now reached his doorstep as Jasmine Crockett, a Democratic Congresswoman, questioned why First Lady Melania Trump – an immigrant herself – was given an EB-1 visa back in 2001, despite not having 'significant achievements" in any field. Crockett questioned why the issue isn't being raised 'when it comes to the president's family's visas". She voiced her sharp opinion that she should not have been given the EB-1 visa. Her remarks came during a meeting of the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday. 'The first lady, a model, and when I say model, I'm not talking about Tyra Banks, Cindy Crawford, or Naomi Campbell-level, applied for and was given an EB-1 visa," she said. The EB-1 visa, often called the 'Einstein Visa," is for people with outstanding talent or achievements. The government says this includes winners of awards like the Pulitzer, Oscar, or Olympic medals, as well as top researchers and executives from big international companies. Melania applied for the visa in 2000, when she was not married to Donald Trump and was only his girlfriend. She was then known as Melania Knauss, a Slovenian model who worked in New York. She got the EB-1 visa in 2001 and became a citizen in 2006. She got the right to sponsor her parents after that. 'Let me tell you how you receive an Einstein visa. You're supposed to have some sort of significant achievement, like being awarded a Nobel Peace Prize or a Pulitzer, being an Olympic medallist, or having other sustained extraordinary abilities and success in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics," Crockett pointed out. 'Last time I checked, the first lady had none of those accolades under her belt. It doesn't take an Einstein to see that the math ain't mathin here," she added. She also raised questions on Donald Trump: 'Why aren't we talking about integrity when it comes to the president's family's visas?" Crockett criticised the US immigration approach, saying people are being arrested even at visa or citizenship appointments. She called Republican claims of restoring integrity a 'joke," adding that real integrity isn't detaining legal visa holders or cancelling visas over social media posts.
NDTV
21 hours ago
- Politics
- NDTV
"Math Ain't Mathin": Why Melania Trump's 'Einstein Visa' Was Questioned
Jasmine Crockett, a Democratic congresswoman launched an attack on the First Lady of the United States Melania Trump during Wednesday's meeting of the House judiciary committee. She said that the First Lady should not have been given an "Einstein visa" to immigrate to the US in 2001. "The first lady, a model - and when I say model I'm not talking about Tyra Banks, Cindy Crawford or Naomi Campbell-level - applied for and was given an EB-1 visa," she said. The EB-1 visa, colloquially known as the "Einstein Visa", is reserved for people with extraordinary talent, applicants who are highly acclaimed in their field. According to the government, Pulitzer, Oscar, and Olympic winners are examples, apart from academic researchers and multinational executives. Mrs Trump started applying for the visa in 2000, when she was Melania Knauss, a Slovenian model working in New York. She was the girlfriend of US President Donald Trump, at the time. Her visa was approved in 2001 and after becoming a citizen in 2006, she earned the right to sponsor her parents, Viktor and Amalija Knavs. Amid Mr Trump's strict immigration policies, the attack stands out ironically. Ms Crockett highlighted the hypocrisy of Republicans in their treatment of Mrs Trump. She continued, "Let me tell you how you receive an Einstein visa," she added. "You're supposed to have some sort of significant achievement, like being awarded a Nobel Peace Prize or a Pulitzer, being an Olympic medallist, or having other sustained extraordinary abilities and success in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. "Last time I checked, the first lady had none of those accolades under her belt. It doesn't take an Einstein to see that the math ain't mathin' here." Calling out the President, she questioned, "Why aren't we talking about integrity when it comes to the president's family's visas?" Taking a swipe at the First Lady, Alex Nowrasteh, vice president for economic and social policy studies at the Cato Institute, who also testified during the House hearing, said she deserved credit for marrying Mr Trump. "And I think that's quite an achievement, so I think she deserves credit for that. Nobody up here could have done it!" she said. Ms Crockett compared the current situation in the United States where individuals are being arrested at US immigration or citizenship appointments. "The reality of what they're claiming they want to do vs what they are actually doing, the actions don't match up," she said. She launched a tirade and said that the idea that the Republicans want to restore integrity and security in the visa process is "actually a joke". "Let me be clear: Integrity is not snatching lawful visa holders off the streets and throwing them into unmarked vans. Integrity is not invoking visas based on social media posts that hurt somebody's little feelings", she continued. However, US visa lawyer Susan McFadden at the Gudeon and McFadden law firm in London told BBC in 2018 that an individual does not need to have a Nobel Prize to receive the Einstein visa. She said, "An experienced lawyer knows what the US citizenship and immigration services is looking for, and how to bring out of the client's background things that will be attractive to the agency." "And I'm sure she probably had some pretty significant letters, maybe from Donald Trump," McFadden added.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Michelle Obama breaks silence on skipping Trump's inauguration and divorce rumors: ‘Let me define what…'
EB-1 visa offers US residency for extraordinary professionals in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. Three categories: individuals with exceptional abilities, outstanding professors/researchers, and multinational executives/managers. Requires specific criteria, employer sponsorship, and successful application process.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Visa controversy erupts: Jasmine Crockett presses how Melania Trump got elite US visa
Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett spoke at a government hearing. She asked how Melania Trump got a special visa in 2001 called the EB-1 or 'Einstein visa.' This visa is usually for people who have done something really amazing—like winning a Nobel Prize, being in the Olympics, or being a famous scientist, as per the report by Newsweek. Crockett said Melania was a model, but not as famous as big names like Tyra Banks or Naomi Campbell. She said Melania didn't have the kind of huge awards or career success that usually earns someone an EB-1 visa. Crockett joked, "It doesn't take an Einstein to see that the math ain't mathin' here." Crockett also called out Republicans for being tough on other immigrants but staying silent on Trump's own family. She pointed out that Trump's administration revoked visas for people based on their social media posts and ran ICE raids across the country. She mentioned Trump's executive order on June 4, which targeted student visas, especially for Chinese students, as stated by the Newsweek report. Later in June, Trump also banned or restricted visas from 19 countries, including full bans from 12. The Trump administration made visa rules stricter, like checking people's social media posts more carefully. Crockett said this all shows a double standard—tough rules for regular people but easy for Trump's circle. ALSO READ: Supreme court rules South Carolina can block Medicaid funding to planned parenthood — what this means for Medicaid patients Live Events What Melania did before the visa Melania came to the U.S. in 1996 on a tourist visa, then got work visas for modeling jobs. She met Donald Trump in 1998, which made her more famous. By 2001, she applied for and got the EB-1 visa. In that year, only 5 people from Slovenia got EB-1 visas, according to the U.S. State Department. Before applying, she had been on magazine covers, like British GQ and some U.S. publications, as per reports. What others said Alex Nowrasteh from the Cato Institute jokingly said, 'Not everybody could marry Donald Trump. That's quite an achievement.' Crockett replied, 'You sure are right, I couldn't have done it', accoridng to the report by Newsweek. Melania's lawyer Michael Wildes said in 2018, 'She got her green card legally and was more than qualified for the Extraordinary Ability category.' Melania Trump has not commented on the controversy yet. She has been keeping a low profile since Trump's second term began. Last seen at Trump's 79th birthday parade on June 14, and at other events like a Kennedy Center red carpet and a White House picnic, as mentioned by Newsweek report. FAQs Q1. What visa did Melania Trump get? Melania Trump received an EB-1 visa in 2001, also known as the " Einstein visa ," meant for people with extraordinary abilities. Q2. Why is Melania Trump's visa being questioned? Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett questioned how Melania qualified for an elite visa usually reserved for Nobel winners or top athletes.
