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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.
Winnipeg Free Press
5 hours ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Lose yourself, find yourself
In the ditch, I spot my first clump of wolf willow, and I say the words out loud. 'Wolf willow.' And laugh a little at my homage to the title of the book by long-dead American writer Wallace Stegner who, in a way, brought me here. Allow me to explain. It was August and I had just finished reading the book Wolf Willow by Stegner (who would go on to win a Pulitzer for another novel, Angle of Repose). His trademark poetic prose chronicling a childhood in southern Saskatchewan settled deep inside me, and I knew I had to go there. So, I jumped in my vehicle and began a solo adventure to Grasslands National Park. I'm a product of the Prairies — born, raised and settled in places of grass and far-away horizons, so I wasn't expecting something vastly different from the Grasslands. I was wrong. There's a line in one of the local guidebooks here about feeling small in a vast landscape. I felt more than small. Exposed, uneasy. My mind raced for an escape route should a bison come charging out of a coulee. There was neither a boulder nor a bluff to tuck into and hide. A tingle of fear ran up my spine and it was the first time I had this feeling while being outside. Grasslands National Park will make you feel alive. Here's our Top Ten on what to do when you arrive: Technically, Grasslands National Park was established to preserve a representative portion of the Canadian mixed grass prairie ecosystem. But it's so much more than that. This is where Sitting Bull and 4,000 Lakota Sioux sought sanctuary after The Battle of Little Big Horn. It's where Métis hunted bison. Archeological sites number in the thousands here. And it's where ranchers and homesteaders made a brave attempt put down roots on this open range. In any other year, this would be your first stop to purchase a national parks pass. But in 2025, admission is free until Sept. 2. Still, it's a must-visit to pick up info about tours and programs, camping and trail maps because the park is vast — 900 square kilometres divided into two blocks. It was the dog days of summer and I honestly didn't expect to see much wildlife, but again, Grasslands surprised me. Anxious to see the park, I made my way to the West Block just before sunset on my first day. First there was a pair of pronghorns racing across the horizon. Then a doe mule deer and her two young ones. A lone bison was lazily scratching his hind quarters on a post. I spent nearly an hour playing hide and seek with a white-tailed jackrabbit around the historic Larson homestead. Finally, a coyote stopped at the edge of a coulee, peered into the sunset, then disappeared in into the valley. With its distinctive large black-tipped grey ears, the white-tailed jackrabbit is mostly nocturnal, but loves a game of hide-and-seek once in a while. With its distinctive large black-tipped grey ears, the white-tailed jackrabbit is mostly nocturnal, but loves a game of hide-and-seek once in a while. The Village of Val Marie sits at the edge of the park, and down one of its quiet streets is The Sanctuary Inn, a former Anglican church that now holds two suites outfitted with everything you need for a quiet and comfortable stay (a full kitchen, too). I loved entering through the church's front doors to be greeted by vaulted ceilings and original window shapes. The owners have several other properties for rent in the area, plus there are other options including The Convent Country Inn, The Crossing at Grasslands, Sky Story Bed & Breakfast, Don's Place and two campgrounds. The Val Marie Bar and Café inside the village's hotel is where you'll find Rainbow, along with her husband Bob, providing excellent meals along with some of the friendliest service on the Prairies. There's a full Chinese menu, burgers, sandwiches and entrées, plus daily specials and signature homemade drinks like strawberry juice and lemonade. The space has personality to spare with busy pool tables, a mounted mule deer and a long-forgotten piano at the window. Naysayers may call it just a collection of rocks in a circle, and I was leaning toward the same before I took a stroll through Mary's Labyrinth. But then I slipped into a kind of meditation and when I reached the centre, I was ready to reflect on some deep-down things that needed attention. The labyrinth is at The Crossing at Grasslands, so it's private property, but all are welcome between 1 and 6 p.m. Housed inside the absolutely charming Val Marie schoolhouse, Prairie Wind & Silver Sage is a gift shop, bookstore, coffeeshop, art gallery and museum under one roof. There's an impressive collection of guidebooks and local history (admittedly, I could have spent the whole day here), along with adorable stuffed animals showcasing the park's wildlife. Stroll through The Cloakroom art gallery and take in the cultural exhibits of the museum, including a collection of aprons. A black-tailed prairie dog, that is. And the West Block and neighbouring lands are the only places in Canada where the species exists in its natural habitat. If you've never been to a dog town, you're in for a treat. These highly social rodents bark, squeak and call, plus they nuzzle and kiss — showing off their communication skills. One of the best places to witness the fun is on the Top Dogtown Trail. The West Block and neighbouring lands are the only places in Canada where black-tailed prairie dogs exist in their natural habitat. The West Block and neighbouring lands are the only places in Canada where black-tailed prairie dogs exist in their natural habitat. In 2009, the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada declared Grasslands National Park a Dark Sky Preserve. And it happens to be one of Canada's darkest. Preserving dark places is important for the billion-year-old natural day-night cycle of flora and fauna, and it also makes for excellent stargazing. Remember to fuel up, stay close to your vehicle and keep an eye out for rattlesnakes, bison and prairie dog burrows. Two Trees Trail, Frenchman Valley Campground and Rock Creek Campground are great stargazing locations. Photos by Shel Zolkewich After a 120-year absence, a herd of plains bison was reintroduced into Grasslands National Park in Saskatchewan. Photos by Shel Zolkewich After a 120-year absence, a herd of plains bison was reintroduced into Grasslands National Park in Saskatchewan. You're not going to find this request in any guidebook, but think of your visit to Grasslands as an opportunity to embrace silence. These wide-open spaces are your invitation to do just that. As friend and fellow writer Hank Shaw so eloquently put it, 'Silence isn't necessarily rejection — from others or of myself. It is not something that needs to be justified, punished or feared. Silence can be sanctuary. Even solace.'
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.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
'Not everybody could marry Donald Trump': What's the row over Melania Trump's Einstein Visa?
Melania Trump's Einstein visa is at the center of a fresh controversy. The Einstein visa, officially known as the EB-1 visa (Employment-Based First Preference visa), is a US immigrant visa for individuals with extraordinary ability in fields like science, arts, education, business, or athletics. It's for those who demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim and whose achievements are recognized through extensive documentation. First Lady Melania Trump was on an Einstein visa in the US before she became a citizen. Democratic representative Jasmine Crockett raised the issue and asked how Melania Trump, being a model, was granted this category of visa. 'Not everybody could marry Donald Trump' Speaking during a House Judiciary Committee hearing Wednesday, Crockett called out Republican's double standard on visas. "Why aren't we talking about integrity when it comes to the president's family's visas?" she asked. "Let me tell you how you receive an Einstein visa," Crockett said. "You're supposed to have some sort of significant achievement, like being awarded a Nobel Peace Prize or a Pulitzer; being an Olympic medalist; 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." "Melania, 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 EB1 visa." "It doesn't take an Einstein to see that the math ain't mathin' here," Crockett said. The Cato Institute's Alex Nowrasteh, who also testified during the House hearing, responded and said not everybody could marry Donald Trump. "And I think that's quite an achievement, so I think she deserves credit for that. Nobody up here could have done it!" Alex said. "You sure are right, I couldn't have done it," Crockett said. Born in Slovenia, Melania Trump came to the US in 1996 on a tourist visa which converted into a work visa as she started started pursuing her modeling career in New York. She received her Einstein Visa in 2001, four years before their marriage in 2005.
