Latest news with #EB-1A
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
What is US' 'Einstein Visa'? What makes EB-1 visa special and why it's in demand among skilled professionals in India
This is an AI-generated image, used for representational purposes only. The EB-1 visa, often dubbed the 'Einstein Visa,' has surged in popularity among skilled professionals globally, especially in India, offering a faster route to US permanent residency. However, while its appeal has widened, so too has the spread of misinformation surrounding what it takes to qualify. What is the EB-1 Visa? The EB-1 is a first-preference employment-based green card category designed for individuals with proven, exceptional ability. As per ET, it is divided into three subcategories, EB-1A (extraordinary ability), EB-1B (outstanding professors and researchers), and EB-1C (multinational executives and managers). Unlike other employment-based visas, it does not require labour certification and is often processed faster, with visa numbers typically 'current,' allowing immediate action once Form I-140 is approved. Who can apply and how? The EB-1A subcategory, open to self-petitioners, applies to individuals with extraordinary ability in fields like science, arts, business, education, or athletics. No employer sponsorship is needed, but applicants must show sustained national or international acclaim. Acceptable proof includes international media recognition, original contributions of major significance, authorship of scholarly articles, and more but applicants must convincingly demonstrate excellence, not just meet a checklist. In contrast, EB-1B and EB-1C require employer sponsorship. EB-1B applicants must be internationally recognised academics with at least three years of teaching or research experience and a job offer in the US. EB-1C caters to executives or managers who have worked for a related company abroad for at least one year in the last three years, entering the US to assume a similar role. Misinformation and dubious practices on the rise But as demand spikes, concerns are growing over how the visa is being marketed. A rise in immigration agents pushing 'profile-building services,' from engineered media visibility to questionable publications aimed at inflating resumes. While these practices may seem like shortcuts, US immigration officers are increasingly trained to detect and reject fraudulent profiles. False claims can lead not just to rejection, but to a permanent bar on reentry. Moreover, USCIS now rigorously checks the authenticity of awards, citations, and affiliations. Application process , costs and timelines Despite these risks, the EB-1 remains a powerful and prestigious pathway. Premium processing of Form I-140 costs $2,805 and guarantees a decision within 15 calendar days, though standard timelines can stretch across months. Following approval, applicants within the US may file Form I-485 to adjust status, while those abroad use Form DS-260 for consular processing, as per ET. Eligible family members, spouses and unmarried children under 21, can also apply for green cards under the same petition. While frustrations over the H-1B visa system and long green card queues have led many to eye the EB-1 as a fast-track solution, immigration experts caution that it is not a shortcut but a reward for verifiable, world-class excellence. The Einstein visa is not a myth, but it's also not magic… Exceptional talent is earned, not engineered. And the US immigration system knows the difference. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Hindustan Times
30-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
What are O-1 and EB-1 visas? Eligibility, categories and all you need to know about ‘Einstein visa'
The Donald Trump administration has intensified rules regarding the popular work and student visas, citing national security and public safety. Applicants are now required to mention their social media usernames or handles which they have used in the last five years and make them public to conduct enhanced screening. O-1 and EB-1 visas: Check eligibility, categories and more Due to this, several people, including skilled professionals and students from India, have started looking for new, elite immigration pathways to enter the United States. A few of these popular options include the O-1 visa and the EB-1A visa, which is also known as the 'Einstein visa.' These visa options are suitable for professionals in various fields like education, science, business, arts, and athletics. The non-immigrant visa can be obtained by individuals who possess extraordinary ability in their respective fields or hold a record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or TV industry, getting well recognised nationally or internationally, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It is mainly classified into two categories: O-1A: People showing extraordinary ability in science, education, business or athletics. O-1B: Those having extraordinary ability in the arts or extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or TV industry. This visa option remains valid for up to three years, with the possibility of extension. Also, there is no cap on an O-1 visa, and its approval rate is nearly 93%. On the other hand, the H-1B visa's approval rate is a mere 37%. The O-1 visa option is costly and could fall anywhere between $10,000 and $30,000. As per the official data, more than 22,600 O-1 visas were issued last year, compared to 18,894 in 2023. EB-1A (Einstein Visa) Meant for people demonstrating extraordinary ability in various fields and have achieved 'national or international acclaim,' including Pulitzer, Oscar, Olympic Medal and others. Several aspects are considered before granting the EB-1A visa. For this category, people are required to apply by filing Form I-140. (Read More: EB-1 Visa: Eligibility criteria and categories explained for H-1B alternative) FAQs: 1. Which visa applications in the US need social media vetting? It is being done for student and exchange visitor applications under F, M, and J non-immigrant classifications. 2. What's the need for social media vetting? The Donald Trump administration will review applicants' presence on social media, such as platforms like Facebook, X and Instagram. 3. Which visa is called the Einstein Visa? The EB-1A green card (immigrant) category is often dubbed the Einstein visa.
News18
25-06-2025
- Business
- News18
Missed The H-1B Visa? The EB-1 Could Be The Right Choice For You. Here's Who Can Apply
The EB-1 visa is a US green card for individuals with extraordinary ability who have made a significant impact or achieved distinction in their professional fields With the Donald Trump administration imposing tighter restrictions on the H-1B visa, many Indian professionals saw their hopes of living and working in the US dwindle. In this climate, the EB-1 visa has gained attention as a viable alternative—offering a pathway to permanent residency for individuals with exceptional achievements in their fields. The EB-1 visa is a type of green card granted to individuals. It is granted to individuals with exceptional ability—those who have made a distinct mark in their professions. This includes top-tier researchers, professors, and multinational executives. For instance, an Indian scientist recognized internationally for a groundbreaking invention, or a musician who has won a Grammy Award, would be eligible to apply under the EB-1A category. The EB-1 is a US immigrant visa, essentially a pathway to a green card. It allows recipients to live and work in the United States permanently. However, the eligibility criteria are highly stringent, making it accessible only to a select group of individuals who meet its exceptional standards. Who Gets EB-1 Visa? The visa is divided into three categories: EB-1A, EB-1B, and EB-1C. EB-1A: This category is for individuals with extraordinary abilities in areas such as science, arts, sports, education, and business. Notable examples include Nobel Prize winners, Olympic athletes, and Grammy Award recipients. Applicants for EB-1A do not require a job offer from a US employer. EB-1C: This category is designed for multinational managers or executives who have worked for at least one year with their overseas company and now seek to continue their role in the US branch of the same company. This category has a relatively quick processing time. How Many EB-1A Visas Does The US Grant? The total number of EB-1 visas issued annually is part of the overall employment-based green card quota, which is set at 140,000 for 2025. Out of this, 28.6%, or approximately 40,000 visas, are allocated to the EB-1 category, divided among EB-1A, EB-1B, and EB-1C. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published:
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Business Standard
18-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Rs 43 lakh for green card: How fake EB-1A claims are trapping Indians
The United States government is reviewing a growing number of EB-1A green card petitions filed under the 'extraordinary ability' visa category, with immigration lawyers in Houston reporting an uptick in fraudulent claims, particularly among Indian applicants. Reddy Neumann Brown PC, a Houston-based immigration law firm, said the category is now facing a wave of re-investigations and revocations. The EB-1A visa allows highly skilled individuals in fields like science, arts, education, business and athletics to live and work in the US without a job offer. Fake citations, dubious awards and journal scams According to attorney Rahul Reddy, several EB-1A applicants appear to have manipulated their profiles using questionable tactics. 'Some petitions have included publications in low-quality journals, coordinated co-authorship to inflate citations, and fake awards like the Stevie and Globee to strengthen their applications,' said Reddy in a social media post. Karim Jivani, an associate attorney at the same firm, wrote in a recent blog post that a rising number of foreign nationals—especially from countries with limited access to immigration legal services—are falling prey to unregulated agents and consultancies promising guaranteed green card success. 'These fraudulent services exploit professionals who are not familiar with the complexities of US immigration law,' Jivani wrote. 'They often target scientists, entrepreneurs or artists using native language marketing, fake client testimonials, and social media platforms.' Victims charged up to $50,000 (about Rs 43 lakh) for fraudulent applications Jivani noted that some agents charge anywhere between $10,000 and $50,000, promising near-certain approvals. In many cases, he said, applicants either receive petitions that are 'hastily prepared and riddled with red flags' or no petition at all. 'Once the money is taken, some disappear altogether. The applicants end up flagged by USCIS for misrepresentation, which has long-term consequences,' Jivani wrote. Some consultancies have reportedly gone as far as producing fake judging invitations, counterfeit awards, and orchestrated speaking opportunities at non-existent conferences to meet EB-1A criteria. Wider impact on genuine applicants The surge in questionable applications is also making it harder for legitimate candidates to get approved. 'When USCIS receives too many suspicious cases, they start raising the bar across the board,' said Reddy. 'That means even genuine applicants are facing more documentation requests, stricter reviews and delays.' USCIS, the federal agency that processes these applications, has not yet issued a public advisory on the matter. Who qualifies for an EB-1A visa? The EB-1A is a first-preference, employment-based immigrant visa. It is open to people who meet strict eligibility criteria in their field of expertise. Unlike other work-based green cards, it does not require a job offer or a sponsoring employer. To qualify, an applicant must either have: A one-time achievement such as a Pulitzer, Nobel Prize, Olympic medal or similar Or Meet at least three of the following ten criteria: Received nationally or internationally recognised awards Membership in associations requiring outstanding achievements Publications about their work in major media or journals Judged the work of others in the field Made original contributions to the profession Authored scholarly articles in respected publications Displayed their work in exhibitions or showcases Played a leading or critical role in organisations Earned a high salary relative to others in the field Achieved commercial success in the performing arts Self-petitioning and work plans in the US Applicants must also show they plan to continue working in the same field after arriving in the US. This can be demonstrated through: Letters from potential employers or clients A personal statement outlining work plans Evidence of continued professional activity Importantly, the EB-1A does not require a labour market test or employer sponsorship. Individuals can petition on their own behalf through a Form I-140 submission. Can family members also benefit? Yes. A successful EB-1A applicant can also include their spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 in the green card application.
